Intervention Strategies

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

If you see something, say something.

You have the power to help stop dating and sexual violence from occurring. Remember the 3D's:

1. Direct
2. Distract
3. Delegate

While intervention may be a simple thing to do, it isn't necessarily an easy thing to do. As long as your own safety is not at risk, it is important to act. Your intervention could prevent an assault from happening. Using the 3Ds can help you use a strategy you feel comfortable with.

Direct:

With direct, you are directly acknowledging some type of concern about the situation. You can either confront the potential victim or the person you think is about to abuse.

Example:

• “I’m really concerned – you’re really drunk and I can see you’re not into this person. Do you need to go home?”
• "Hey, it's not ok to talk to someone like that, it's time to call it a night."

Distract:

Anything that distracts someone enough to discontinue the abusive behavior.

Examples:

• Spill a drink
• Tell the potential victim you need them to come with you to take a picture or help you with something
• Tell the potential abuser someone is looking for them

Delegate:

If you do not feel comfortable or safe intervening, delegate the intervention to someone else.

Examples:

• Ask someone else who is in a better position to help
• Ask the host of the party to intervene

Learn more about Penn State's bystander intervention program by contacting the Gender Equity Center.