Implementing Bystander Intervention and Violence Prevention on Campus
Each week, the Higher Education Center showcases recent developments in the field of AOD abuse and violence prevention in higher education that may include new data and resources, upcoming events and programs, funding opportunities, and learning opportunities. To see a listing of previous This Week! features, visit the This Week! archive.
June 3, 2011
Bystander intervention offers one possible solution to deconstructing the harmful societal norms that can lead to violence within institutions of higher education. The approach empowers people who witness abusive behavior or statements to intervene. This action can potentially stop an assault from happening while supporting the person experiencing violence and holding accountable the person engaging in abusive behavior.
The National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women (VAWnet.org) recently published a summary of how the bystander approach can be implemented on college and university campuses. The summary also suggests related resources and strategies for integrating bystander intervention into a comprehensive violence prevention initiative. For more information about VAWnet.org, visit their Web site.