Stand Up to Sexual Misconduct

Our entire community is engaged to end sexual misconduct and all forms of discrimination and retaliation. We ask you to join us.

What do I do?

Bystander intervention can be an effective method to prevent or stop sexual misconduct. Look out for one another, but always make choices that are best for the safety of yourself and others.

The 5 D’s of Bystander Intervention

Direct. Confront the situation directly. When you hear or see an inappropriate or discriminatory action, state your disapproval. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

Delegate. Involve others when you don't feel safe or comfortable approaching the situation alone. Locate a security guard, bouncer, staff member, or other person of authority about what you saw.

Distract. Diffuse the situation by changing the subject or leading the person away from the perpetrator. Even if you don’t know them, it’s okay to pretend you do.

Delay. Once the situation is safe, offer assistance, reassurance, or helpful resources to the person harmed.

Document. Document the interaction the best you can in the moment. Afterward, ask the person being harmed what they would like to do with the documentation. Never post or share a video without the consent of the person being harmed.


What do I say?

If someone shares that they’ve experienced sexual assault, it’s important to navigate that conversation with care and compassion. Aurora Center offers helpful guides to help you best support a survivor. Remember, the only person responsible for sexual misconduct is the offender. 

Know your role

Friend or classmate, instructor or manager–you are not their doctor or therapist. Just listen and lend support during this time. 

If you are a non-confidential University employee, remember you must report cases of misconduct. Try to inform individuals before a disclosure is made. Aurora Center and EOT have helpful resources to guide you.

Hear them out

Don’t judge or downplay the situation. Listen to the information as it is presented to you. 

Thank them for reaching out for help. It takes courage to share difficult experiences. 

Offer next steps

Encourage seeking confidential advocacy services at the Aurora Center or seeing a therapist for mental health support. If they seem interested in reporting the incident to a person of authority, offer appropriate support. Show them available resources. If willing, offer to join them as they take their chosen next steps. Whichever option they choose, it is important that you accept their decision.

Resource Toolkit