The definition for sexual assault and violence is “any unwanted

or abusive behaviours that are sexual in nature,” according to the

Sexual Assault Centre Of Edmonton also known as SACE.

Bystander intervention is a complex subject that can involve var-

ious ways to help someone experience a sexual assault or sexual

violence.

“I think one of the biggest tips I would say is to really just to

take care of yourself, what you are witnessing or witnessed may

affect you and that is totally okay,” says Carmen Smith, a mental

health therapist.

Before you intervene, stop and ensure you are safe and always

protect yourself first.

Taking care of yourself can look different for everyone, whether

it is removing yourself from the situation, talking to those who

support you and even seeking professional help.

A bystander is a person who witnesses an act of violence and

has an opportunity to help or not help depending on one’s safety

and a bystander can be anyone, even you.

Being a bystander can happen in any setting such as bars, par-

ties, concerts and even a workplace.

You may know a person in a violent situation, it can even include

those who are known to the victim “87 per cent of victims knew

their assailant,” according to the Government of Alberta statistics.

You can still intervene in any situation if you don’t know one or

both parties included.

“If someone came to me saying they witnessed something but

did not step in, I would educate them on the steps to intervene,

so if there is a next time they can help,” says Smith.

Taking a Friend Bystander Intervention course at SACE or talking

to a professional such as seeing a therapist are two ways you can

learn to help others.

Just like a first aid course, there is also a bystander intervention

virtual course through the Government of Alberta, or in person

at SACE this course varies at different organizations but they all

reach the same goal of intervening.

There are multiple steps one can take to be a bystander and

protect others when they witness a harmful situation.

Steps to practice bystander intervention include the “Three D’s

direct, distract, and delegate,” according to SACE.

The first bystander intervention step is direct this is when you

check in on the victim asking if they are okay, and if they need

help, according to SACE.

The second step when intervening is distract where you change

the subject, you can do this by talking to either party about a ran-

dom topic, according to SACE.

Last step for bystander intervention is delegate get help, grab

an adult or friend to help with the situation according to SACE.

It may seem like bystander intervention happens only at the

time of the situation, however it is a process and intervention can

still occur after the fact.

Social media presents an opportunity for bystander intervention

awareness and support, however it can also lead to cyberbullying

and negative outcomes.

If you are experiencing any sexual violence reach out to Well-

ness Services at wellness.services@lethpolytech.ca or contact Chi-

nook Sexual Assault Centre at csacleth.ca.