HOW CAN YOU HELP?*

If you know of individuals who are showing signs that they are experiencing sexual misconduct, there are ways you can help:

• Believe what they tell you about their experience.
• Listen to them.
• Assure them that what happened is not their fault.
• Share with them all the different ways to get help.

If you think that someone you know is experiencing sexual misconduct, let that person know that you want to help and encourage seeking outside help. Here are some examples of what the person you know may be feeling due to the sexual misconduct experience:

• Shock, disbelief, numbness, withdrawal
• Preoccupation with thoughts and feelings about the assault
• Unwanted memories, flashbacks and/or nightmares
• Intense anger, fear, anxiety, depression
• Physical symptoms: sleep disturbance, headaches, stomach aches
• Inability to concentrate, lower grades
• Loss of focus on academics
• Loss of interest in sex
• Fears about safety
• Feelings of guilt and shame

WHAT IS AN ACTIVE BYSTANDER?

Bystanders have the power to stop abuse and to get help for people who have been victims of sexual misconduct. Active bystanders are people who are aware of an abusive situation and choose to speak up and say or do something without putting their own safety at risk. Here are things you can do before or after an instance of sexual misconduct:

• Call 911 if there is immediate danger to you or someone else.
• Speak up if someone says or does something indicating intent to commit sexual misconduct.
• Respect those around you.
• Say something to protest offensive or derogatory remarks. Always ask for partner consent in intimate situations. If you sense trouble, ask the affected person if help is needed.

*This information was obtained from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

LINKS

• Silent Witness
• Behavioral Intervention Team