Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an opportunity to listen to and honor survivors in our community and learn about how you can support survivors.

Lesson Plans

Teachers can download lesson plans for Elementary, Middle School, and High School.

• If you need to request access, please email titleix@aps.edu.

A Bystanders' Guide to Safe Action

Source: D Prep Safety Tips, Charlie Taylor

Effective bystander response is not about taking control; it is about awareness, appropriate action, and self-protection. This guide focuses on recognizing distress, approaching safely, communicating effectively, and knowing when to step back.

Situational Awareness

Before you step in, pause for a brief environmental scan. Ask yourself whether it is safe to engage. Look for:

• Traffic, crowds, or environmental hazards
• Signs of violence or escalating conflict
• Weapons or objects that could become weapons
• Signs of drug or alcohol intoxication
• Bystanders who may already be helping

If the scene feels unsafe, do not approach. Distance and observation are valid, and often necessary, responses.

Recognizing Different Types of Distress

Not all emergencies look the same. Identifying what you are seeing helps you choose the safest and most appropriate response. When in doubt, call 911 early.

Safe Approach Guidelines

If the situation appears safe enough to approach, do so cautiously and with respect. Keep in mind:

• Approach from the front, not from behind
• Keep your hands visible
• Maintain a comfortable distance
• Use a calm, steady voice
• Introduce yourself: “My name is Charlie. I noticed you might need some help.”
• Avoid sudden movements or crowding

Communicating With Someone in Distress

People in distress often struggle to process complex information. Keep communication simple, supportive, and nonjudgmental.

Helpful Phrases

• “You’re not alone. I’m here with you.”
• “Take a slow breath with me.”
• “Help is on the way.”
• “Can you tell me your name?”
• “Is there someone I can call for you?”

Avoid

• “Calm down.”
• “You’re overreacting.”
• Physical touch unless absolutely necessary for immediate safety

When Not to Intervene Physically

Well-meaning bystanders are often injured because they ignore their own safety limits. Do not intervene physically if:

• The person is violent or unpredictable
• Drug intoxication is suspected
• Weapons are present
• You are alone and cannot call for help
• You feel unsafe or unsure

Backing away and being a good witness is often the safest choice.

Calling 911: What to Be Ready to Share

Calling for help early is critical, even if the situation seems manageable. Professional responders bring training and equipment that bystanders do not. Be prepared to provide:

• Exact location
• What you are observing
• Whether the person poses a danger to themselves or others
• Any known medical issues
• Whether weapons or drugs are involved

Stay on the line until the dispatcher releases you.

Managing the Scene While Waiting for Help

Your goal is to reduce risk, not control the person. If safe to do so:

• Ask onlookers to give space
• Move nearby hazards (chairs, bags, sharp objects)
• Position yourself between the person and traffic, if appropriate
• Keep children and vulnerable individuals away

Know When to Step Back

Step back if:

• The person becomes aggressive
• You feel overwhelmed
• The scene becomes chaotic
• First responders arrive

When responders take over, give them space and provide a brief, factual summary of what you observed.

After the Incident: Take Care of Yourself

Witnessing distress can be emotionally taxing. Post-incident care matters. Helpful steps:

• Take a few minutes to breathe
• Talk with someone you trust
• Write down what happened to help process it
• Recognize that feeling shaken is normal

Additional Resource: CDC – Coping With Stress After a Traumatic Event

Source: D Prep Safety Tips, Charlie Taylor