Bystander Intervention
See. Say. Do Something
Every campus has a population of bystanders who support sexual violence. They may not mean to do so, yet by not intervening when they see something happening, not reporting actions, or dismissing certain behaviors, they are essentially sending a message to perpetrators that their actions are okay.
Active Bystander Intervention occurs when a person, other than the perpetrator(s) or victim(s), observes or witnesses prohibited conduct which involves acts of sexual violence or misconduct, and takes immediate and safe action to stop and/or prevent it.
The College District supports and encourages the lawful actions of any person, while acknowledging and ensuring the safety of oneself and other parties involved or even not involved, to promptly intervene and assist the victim in a potentially harmful situation.
If it is not safe to intervene, the bystander should immediately call 911 or NCTC Campus Safety Department, (940) 668-4270.
See
Know what to look for when witnessing a situation that may involve sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or sexual violence and always be vigilant.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when:
Submission to such conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or status in a course, program or activity
Submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decision affecting such individual
When such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with he individual's work or educational performance, of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working and/or learning environment, or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity
Examples
Pressure for sexual activity
Requests for sexual favors
Unwelcome patting, hugging, or touching of a person's body, hair, or clothing
Sexual innuendos, jokes, or comments
Disparaging remarks to a person about his or her gender or body
Displaying or transmitting sexually suggestive electronic content, including emails and texts
Giving unwelcome personal gifts
Sexual assault
Say
The bystander should also report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator as soon as possible for an immediate review or investigation of the incident. If the bystander is an employee, he or she is required to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator.
If you are assaulted, the incident involves sexual assault or rape, you are encouraged to immediately contact the NCTC Campus Safety Department, (940) 668-4270, and/or go to the Emergency Room of the nearest hospital and ask to be seen by the SANE nurse - a health care professional who specializes in examining sexual assault victims.
If you experience, observe, or hear about or believe someone has been sexually harassed in any way, you should make a report of the facts of the incident(s) by contacting the Office of Title IX and Equity, (940) 668-4204 or email TitleIX@nctc.edu
The following strategies may be used to be an active bystander against sexual misconduct and violence.
Do
Proactive Bystander Strategies
In order to be a proactive bystander who helps prevent cases of sexual harassment, misconduct, or violence, you can:
Believe violence is unacceptable and say it out loud
Treat people with respect
Speak up when you hear people making statements that blame victims
Talk with friends about confronting violence against anyone
Encourage friends to trust their instincts
Be a knowledgeable resource for victims
Don't laugh at sexist jokes or comments
Look out for friends at parties and bars
Educate yourself and your friends
Use campus resources
Attend an awareness event
Empower victims to tell their stories
Reactive Bystander Strategies
In order to be a reactive bystander who positively intervenes in instances of sexual harassment or sexual violence, you can:
Get campus police or other authorities involved
Tell someone else
Get help
Ask a friend in a potentially dangerous situation if they want to leave
Make sure they get home safely
Ask a victim if they are okay
Provide options and a listening ear
Call the campus or local counseling/crisis center for support and options
The college will not tolerate sexual harassment of its students or employees and will investigate all allegations of harassment. Where sexual harassment is found, steps will be taken to end it immediately.
If you are uncertain if an experience is sexual harassment, understand that students who, in good faith, report what they believe is sexual harassment or who cooperate in any investigation will not be subjected to retaliation. Any student who believes he or she has been a victim of retaliation for reporting sexual harassment or cooperating in an investigation should immediately contact the Title IX Coordinator.
If you want to report something, but have broken a rule under NCTC's Student Code of Conduct and fear you may be charged with policy violations, know that the college encourages the reporting of all harassment and assault whenever it occurs and where possible will offer victims of harassment limited immunity from violation charges related to the particular incident.
Reporting Anonymously
Reporting any sexual assault or misconduct is critical. The report can be submitted anonymously.
Prevention & Awareness Education
The College District prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and shall take every measure and precaution available to prevent, minimize and address sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, interpersonal violence, sexual violence and any others acts of discrimination based on sex. To this end, the College District shall provide on-going prevention and awareness programs, and provide incoming students and new employees with education, information and training to recognize, confront, address and report any form of sexual and bender-based harassment.
The on-going prevention and awareness programs shall include, at a minimum, the following:
Statement that the institution prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as those terms are defined in these final regulations;
Definition of the terms: dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the applicable jurisdiction;
Definition of "consent," in reference to sexual activity, in the applicable jurisdiction;
Description of safe and positive options for bystander intervention;
Information on risk reduction; and
Information on the institution's policies and procedures after a sex offense occurs.
Reporting. Responsibilities. Resources
NCTC has resources to help you report an incident and deal with the aftermath. Don’t be afraid to reach out to an advocate. We are here for you.
What is Consent
Consent is voluntarily and knowingly expressing unambiguous participation in a mutually agreed upon sexual activities or any stage of sexual activity and does not include coerced submission or submission out of fear. In the absence of an individual's inability to offer resistance, say "no" or provide clear, concise and positive verbal communications and physical actions indicating approval, agreement and permission to engage in sexual activities by all parties, one should not infer or presume consent. A prior or current relationship, even if it sexual activity is/was involved, does not imply consent for future sexual activity.
Any act of sexual nature that occurs where consent is unable to be given, includes being:
Under the influence of alcohol, drugs, prescribed medications or other substance, or where such substance has rendered a person physically or mentally incapable of communication or making decisions about consent to acts of a sexual nature
Sleep, unconscious, incapacitated or intermittent unconsciousness; underage; or impaired due to mental, developmental or physical disability
Permanently or temporarily impaired due to mental, developmental or physical disability
Forced through the use of physical violence, threats, intimidation, or coercion
Under the legal age to give consent
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