WSU understands that keeping our community safe requires everyone on campus to be proactive. WSU offers the Count on Cougs violence prevention program remotely to all campus locations. Often when bystanders see situations that could lead to violence, our tendency is to walk away. We may feel unsure about our role in the situation or may be concerned for our physical safety. Even so, there are safe and positive options available to intervene in situations that may lead to acts of violence. These options include:
- Being direct. If you see someone doing something that is making another person uncomfortable, speak up.
- Getting someone else involved. If you feel like you can’t handle the situation on your own, ask a group of friends to help you, or talk to a supervisor, resident advisor, or other person of authority. If the situation is making you feel unsafe, contact the police.
- Creating a distraction. Sometimes the best way to get someone out of a potentially dangerous situation is to divert attention elsewhere.
- Offering resources and support after the fact. Interpersonal violence can happen quickly. If you are concerned someone has already experienced violence, you can provide meaningful support and options after the fact that may prevent further violence.
- If a situation is making you uncomfortable, chances are other people are uncomfortable too. By standing up and being a proactive bystander, you give other people encouragement to do the same.
- Being proactive. There are small and simple actions that WSU students can take every day to create a safe and supportive campus. More information about the bystander intervention training is available at the .