Vires, Artes, Mores — Strength, Skill and Character

Here are some ways to get involved and improve FSU with your leadership skills:

• Student Organizations

FSU Bystander Intervention

Most people want to do something when they see the potential for sexual violence or victimization, but don’t because of embarrassment (not wanting to make a scene), fear of retaliation, self-doubt, or because they assume someone else will do it for them. Don’t let these fears prevent you from acting as a responsible member of your campus community.

• Distract
• Direct
• Delegate

Read More: What Can Bystanders Do to Prevent Sexual Violence?

Bystanders – Anyone can be a bystander.
All you have to do is say something if you see something.

• If you hear your neighbors screaming and yelling, choose to act.
• If you hear someone using slurs or derogatory terms, choose to act.
• If you hear people joking about committing sexual assault, choose to act.
• If you see someone put something in a girl’s drink while she is away, choose to act.
• If you are at a bar, and you see someone dragging an obviously intoxicated person out of a bar, choose to act.

How to react if you witness violence or a possible dangerous situation:

• Step in and offer help, but only if this does not put you in imminent risk for danger as well. If the situation is risky, call 911 instead.
• Don’t leave. If you remain at the scene, the perpetrator is less likely to do anything. Again, you will need to assess the risk it is putting you in before making this decision.
• If someone is overly intoxicated, offer to call him/her a cab.
• Watch out for your friends in social situations. If your friends become abusers themselves, show that you are unsupportive of their actions.

How to support those who have experienced violence:

• Listen and tell the victim it is not their fault. Do not be judgmental.
• Tell him/her that help is available.
• Offer to accompany them to seek medical attention.
• Seek expert assistance, such as law enforcement, hotlines, abuse shelters, or advocacy resources.
• Be patient with a loved one that has experienced violence. This can be a traumatic event and may take time to move past.
• How to Support a Survivor