Stop Sexual Violence: Step In With CARE

Sexual assault affects millions of individuals worldwide, yet each of us has the power to help prevent it. One way we can all make a difference is through bystander intervention—stepping in to prevent or interrupt harmful behavior. 

You don’t have to be a hero to make an impact. Small actions can have powerful effects! 

To be clear, the perpetrator is always the only person responsible for sexual violence. However, communities can work together to create safer environments. 

Here’s how you can be part of the solution:

Bystanders: The First Witnesses

A bystander is anyone who witnesses an event but isn’t directly involved. As a bystander, you might: 

• See an incident of harassment
• Notice someone in a risky situation
• Recognize warning signs of an impending assault

Because most assaults are committed by someone the victim knows, bystanders may be the only people in a position to prevent or stop harm. 

Safe Ways To Intervene

It’s normal to feel hesitant about stepping in. Often, people avoid getting involved because:

• They don’t want to cause a scene
• They’re counting on someone else to act
• They’re worried about social repercussions
• They’re afraid of getting hurt themselves

These are all valid concerns, and you should never put your own safety at risk. 

However, there are low-risk ways to intervene that can have a powerful impact on someone else’s safety and well-being.

RAINN’s C.A.R.E. acronym can help you intervene to stop sexual violence:

C: CREATE a Distraction

Creating a distraction can de-escalate a risky situation, allowing the vulnerable person a chance to exit safely. Even a subtle interruption can be powerful. Here are a few ways to intervene without confrontation:

• Interrupt the conversation casually: “Hey, let’s grab some fresh air.”
• Spill your drink (on purpose!) or create a harmless commotion to shift attention and disrupt potential harm.
• Suggest a group activity or move to another location to break the uncomfortable interaction.

A small distraction can halt harmful intentions by providing crucial moments for someone to reach safety.

A: ASK Directly

Trust your instincts. If someone looks uncomfortable or unsafe, checking in can change the outcome dramatically. Here’s how to ask directly while ensuring safety and privacy:

• “Do you need help?”
• “Do you want me to stay with you?”
• “Would you like to leave with me and go somewhere safe?”

If possible, ask these questions quietly or privately to avoid putting the at-risk person in further danger or escalating the situation. Clear, respectful questions help someone in distress know they’re not alone.

R: RALLY Others

Remember, you’re never alone when helping someone at risk. There’s strength in numbers. Enlist others to provide assistance:

• Ask a friend or trusted person to help distract the individual in danger, especially if they seem unaware of their vulnerability.
• Inform bartenders, security guards, or authority figures who are trained to handle these situations.
• If things feel unsafe, call 911 immediately and stay close until help arrives.

Your voice becomes louder when you have others by your side.

E: EXTEND Support

Bystander intervention doesn’t end when the immediate danger is over. The aftermath of a harmful situation can be deeply distressing. Here’s how you can extend your support:

• Offer to stay with them or escort them safely home
• Listen with compassion. Your non-judgmental support can significantly impact their recovery.
• Provide resources like RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline

Take Care of Yourself, Too

Supporting someone can affect your emotional well-being, too. Prioritize your own self-care and consider seeking confidential support through RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline.

Every action counts, and every person deserves a safe and supportive environment. Together, we can show we CARE and create safer communities.