Prevention

Remember The Three "D's" Of Being A Good Bystander!: By familiarizing yourself with the "Direct, Delegate, and Distract" approaches, you can become a valuable asset in creating a safer and more supportive campus environment for all.

• 1. Direct Intervention

  
  Taking Immediate Action
  
  Direct intervention involves stepping into a situation by addressing the people involved head-on, often requiring assertiveness and quick thinking to to achieve a positive outcome.

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  You can take direct action with confidence by doing actions, such as:
  
  » Asking if someone is okay: Approach individuals who appear distressed or in need of help and offer assistance.
  
  » Escorting an intoxicated friend: If a friend has had too much to drink, ensure their safety by guiding them out of a party or social event.
  
  » Challenging offensive behavior: Politely but firmly address offensive jokes or comments made by someone to promote a respectful environment.
  
  » Intervening in conflicts: Step in to mediate or defuse arguments or confrontations between others to prevent escalation.
  
  » Preventing bullying: Speak up when you witness bullying or harassment and offer support to the victim.
  
  » Standing against discrimination: Actively oppose discriminatory behavior or actions when you encounter them.

• 2. Delegate Intervention

  
  Seeking Support
  
  Delegate intervention is a smart approach when you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or ill-equipped to intervene personally. You can seek assistance from someone better suited for the situation

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  You can effectively enlist assistance through various means, such as:
  
  » Involving campus security: If you witness aggressive or dangerous behavior, call campus security to remove someone who is being aggressive and handle the situation professionally.
  
  » Seeking assistance from Resident Assistants (RAs): If you're concerned about a roommate's well-being or relationship, inform your Resident Advisor, who can provide appropriate guidance and support.
  
  » Engaging a closer friend: When you're not in the best position to assist someone, enlist a friend who has a closer relationship with them to check in on their welfare.
  
  » Utilizing campus resources: Direct individuals in need to campus counseling services, health centers, or other relevant support structures.
  
  Counseling Services
  Student Health Services
  
  » Reporting safety concerns: If you notice unsafe conditions or potential hazards on campus, report them to campus authorities or facilities management.
  
  Title IX
  Department of Campus Safety & Security (FAMU PD)

• 3. Distract Intervention

  
  Diversion Strategies
  
  Distracting involves using clever tactics to create interventions, redirecting attention away from a potentially problematic situation, and ultimately helping to de-escalate it.

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  You can utilize creative methods to intervene effectively, including:
  
  » Engaging in friendly conversation: Strike up a conversation with someone who seems uncomfortable, diverting their focus from a distressing person or situation.
  
  » Creating a diversion: Spill a harmless substance, like water, near individuals involved in an argument to distract and defuse tension.
  
  » Pretending to know someone: If you see someone who appears to be feeling uncomfortable around another person or situation, approach them and pretend to know them, giving them an opportunity to gracefully exit the situation.
  
  » Offering assistance: Approach someone who appears uncomfortable and ask if they can help you with a task, like finding your keys or a lost item.
  
  » Using humor: Employ humor to lighten the mood and ease tension in awkward or uncomfortable situations.