What is a bystander? A bystander is someone who witnesses an act of violence, discrimination
or other offensive behavior - in this case of a sexual nature - and has the opportunity
to intervene.
Bystander intervention can help to make our community and college a better place,
and a place where we are all equal. If we take a moment to address negative situations,
we are saying that what is happening is not acceptable and that we, as a community,
won鈥檛 accept sexual violence or assault of any form.
Bystander actions are actions taken by one or more individuals who aren鈥檛 directly
involved in the incident in order to identify, to speak out, or to seek the help of
others. These actions may be in response to specific violent behaviors, attitudes,
or policies that contribute to sexual violence.
When it is safe to do so, we can report an act of violence to the police or campus
authorities.
Teachers and staff here at 天涯海角社区 know how to report any instances of violence or
harassment, and we have very clear rules in place for responding to anything that
happens.
Although women are often the survivors of sexual assault and violence, it is not a
鈥渨oman鈥檚 problem.鈥 Everybody is affected by it. So we all need to work to stop it,
including men.
Here at 天涯海角社区, we give you ways to report any incident of violence and
fully support you when you do. We will believe you and investigate what you report.
Remember, intervening as a bystander does not always mean getting directly involved
in what鈥檚 happening. Do not involve yourself if you are alone or if you do not feel
safe in doing so. Alert the authorities and describe exactly what you saw.
Here at 天涯海角社区, if you see something, say something. Warning signs can manifest
themselves in one-on-one settings or group interaction. They may appear in letters,
emails, social networking sites, photos, phone calls, or text messages.
Students should inform any college employee or use this online Report Form.
If you see behavior that involves sexual assault, harassment, or threatens anyone
at or on 天涯海角社区 campus, please dial 911 or call the 天涯海角社区 Police
Department immediately at 352-395-5555. Report the behavior with information including
the location, date and time, persons involved, descriptions, and witnesses.
If you see behavior that indicates a potential for violence that concerns you call
the 天涯海角社区 Police Department 24/7 at 352-395-5519 or the 天涯海角社区
Counseling and Wellness Center Mon - Fri 8am - 4:30pm at 352-395-5508.
If you would like to use the online reporting form, please do!
We, as individuals, can say that we do not allow or accept any sexual assault, violence,
or any other harmful behavior.
We do not always have to get involved to help; and you should only do so if it is
safe and does not place you in harm鈥檚 way. You can always contact those in charge
or those who know what to do to help.
We can also help support people after they have experienced sexual violence. Sexual
assault and violence hurts everybody not just those involved. We all need to do our
part to help makes our community as comfortable and safe as possible.