STUDENTS AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT
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It is important for people to learn and educate themselves about consent, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and other types of sexual violence, as well as how they impact victims/survivors. Here is a quick guide on how to be an Active Bystander and how to support someone if they have experienced sexual violence.
Active Bystander
If you aren't actively dismantling rape culture then you are enabling it.
Stop assuming that it's someone else's job to step in or that it isn't your problem. Even if you aren't actively engaging in sexual violence you might still be letting it pass. Take the time to be an active bystander.
How can you be an Active Bystander?
If you see someone making inappropriate jokes call them out and explain why it's wrong - even if it is your mate.
Take your time to educate yourself on rape culture - talk to people, read books, listen to podcasts - ask us for recommendations!
Do not joke about or laugh at offensive jokes, or jokes about sexual assault. Sexual violence is not a laughing matter.
Hold yourself accountable for previous behaviour - we have all engaged in rape culture at some point.
Make sure it is safe before you step in. Do not put yourself in danger.
Supporting Survivors
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Provide them with a space where they feel able to talk, if they want to. Emphasise that there is no judgement.
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DO not suggest that their experience could have been worse. Trauma should not be compared.
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Allow them time to process all of their emotions. Healing is not linear and everyone handles trauma differently.
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Respect their decision, regardless of whether they choose to report it or not. Whatever they choose is valid.
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Avoid any form of victim blaming. DO not ask what they were wearing, whether they fought back or how much they had drank.