Bystander Intervention
Bystander intervention occurs when a witness speaks up and/or steps in to stop a potentially dangerous situation. Bystanders often do not become involved in a situation because they do not know what to do, are worried about their own safety, or think other witnesses will intervene.
The entire campus community plays a vital role in preventing acts that violate Collin College's Core Value of Dignity and Respect. As a friend, classmate, partner, family member, etc., you are in a unique position - you have the power to intervene and stop an incident before it occurs. You can use your power to stop a potentially dangerous situation.
Remember: If you see something, say something!
How to Be an Active Bystander
I Got Your Back (IGYB) Bystander Intervention Program
Collin College’s I Got Your Back (IGYB) Bystander Intervention program is an educational campaign to inform the entire Collin College community about the importance of bystander intervention and how to improve it. IGYB’s purpose is to raise awareness, educate individuals on their roles as bystanders, and make Collin College a safer community for students, faculty, and staff. IGYB aims to teach everyone to be an active, effective bystander.
For more information or a list of IGYB events, send an email to dos@collin.edu.
Empowered Bystanders
1. Are mindful of their environment.
2. Take care of their friends and classmates.
3. Ask their friends and classmates to take care of them.
4. Are empathetic.
5. Familiarize themselves with campus resources.
6. Have the Collin College Police Department number (972.578.5555) programmed into their cell phones.
7. Speak up to stop violence.
8. Are willing to act.
Questions to Ask Before Taking Action
1. Am I concerned about a situation becoming a potential problem?
2. Do I recognize someone who may need help?
3. Do I see others and myself as part of the solution?
4. Do I have a responsibility to act?
5. If the roles were reversed would I want or need someone to intervene?
Questions to Ask During the Situation
1. How can I keep myself and others safe if I intervene?
2. What are my available options (e.g., creating a distraction, interrupting a situation, removing others and myself from the situation, checking in to make sure friends and any vulnerable individuals make it home safely, and speaking out against social norms that support violence)?
3. Are there others I can call for help, including 911 and the Collin College Police Department (972.578.5555)?
4. What are the benefits and costs of taking action?
How to Be a Supportive Ally
1. Educate yourself and others about gender inequality, prohibited conduct, the causes of violence, healthy relationships, and consent to sexual activity.
2. Challenge the myths surrounding violence and prohibited conduct.
3. Understand how your attitudes and actions may perpetuate these myths, and work toward changing them.
4. Don't make excuses for other people's inappropriate behavior.
5. Don't blame the victim.
6. Gently offer support if you suspect someone close to you has been a victim of violence.
Reporting Prohibited Conduct
If you need to report an incident of prohibited conduct or would like to learn about Collin College's reporting procedures, click here.