I’m a witness
Commit fighting sexual violence by adopting active bystander strategies within the RMC Saint-Jean community and even in other areas of your life. When you witness a sensitive or potentially harmful situation, in person or online, you can use the following strategies:
Divert attention
Intervene in an indirect and subtle way to defuse a situation by diverting attention, whether by initiating a conversation, asking a question, or creating a distraction to ensure the safety of the person in difficulty.
Get help (delegate)
Seek help from someone else, especially by finding someone in a position of authority or an appropriate resource to intervene in the situation. Do it quickly, even when in doubt.
Find out how the affected person is doing
It's important to find out how the person is doing and to offer support or resources. It's sometimes difficult to intervene in the moment, but you can still make a difference by showing your support after what happened, especially in fast-moving situations.
Intervene directly
With the people involved in a clear and firm manner if your safety is not at risk. You can also intervene with people you trust if you don't feel comfortable doing it alone.
Expressing nonverbal disagreement
Refusing to participate in the face of derogatory, degrading, abusive, or violent attitudes or behaviour. Examples include crossing your arms, looking away, or using facial expressions to express your disagreement.
Document the incident
After the fact, for example, by recording emails or taking screenshots.
Bystander Intervention Strategies:
Distract: distract or defuse the situation
Delegate: seek appropriate help to intervene
Delay: check on the person who the behavioris targeting
Be direct: state your desagreement to people directly
Nonverbal disapproval: Refuse to participate in behaviors
Document: take notes or take a screenshot
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