Bystander intervention is when someone recognizes a potentially harmful, dangerous,
or inappropriate situation and chooses to safely step in, speak up, or seek help to
prevent harm or support another person.
A bystander can be anyone who witnesses a concerning situation, including friends,
classmates, coworkers, teammates, or community members.
Bystander intervention helps create a safer, more respectful campus and community
culture by encouraging people to take action instead of remaining passive
Why it Matters
Alcohol and Drugs – Help prevent unsafe situations Sexual Assault Prevention – Help stop harmful situations before they happen Violence – Help prevent conflicts from escalating Hazing Prevention – Prevent harmful initiation practices, protecting the safety of others Safety – Create a safer and more supportive environment
Five Decision-Making Steps for Intervention
1. Notice the event
Pay attention to what is happening around you.
2. Interpret it as a problem
Recognize when a situation may be unsafe, harmful, or concerning.
3. Take responsibility
Decide that you can help and that someone should take action.
4. Know how to help
Consider the safest way to intervene using one of The 5 Ds.
5. Take action
Step in safely, seek help, or support the person involved. This can be direct or indirect.
The 5 D's
The 5 D’s are five safe strategies individuals can use to intervene and help prevent
harmful, dangerous, or inappropriate situations.
Direct
You directly intervene in a situation. Always be safe and carefully consider the best
way to intervene.
Distract
Create a distraction to interrupt a situation. Diverting attention can be very effective.
Delegate
Talk to someone who may be in a better position to help with the situation. Call 911
if necessary.
Delay
If you can’t take action in the moment, or if others aren’t receptive, you can still
make a difference afterward by checking on the people, by asking how you can help
or offering resources.
Document
Documenting a situation can be helpful. Whether it's video or written documentation.
When should you intervene?
Someone appears uncomfortable, scared, or pressured
A person is highly intoxicated or impaired
Harassment, bullying, or discrimination is occurring
Someone is being isolated from friends
Aggressive, threatening, or controlling behavior is present
Tips for Safe Intervention
Prioritize your safety and the safety of others
Stay calm and aware of your surroundings
Work with others when possible
Avoid escalating the situation
Contact emergency services if immediate danger exists
Related Resources
Report a Concern
Terra State Community Colleges upholds safety and inclusion to provide dynamic learning
environments. Please help Terra maintain this standard by reporting sexual misconduct,
student conduct violations, general concerns, behaviors, threats, etc.
These support resources are available for individuals navigating the Title IX process,
as well as for students who may benefit from additional support, guidance, or information.
Confidential Resources - keep what you share private, except in limited situations involving safety or legal
requirements. Confidential resources aren’t limited to the options listed here—students
can also seek private support from a lawyer, a clergy member, a licensed therapist
or counselor, or a medical provider who can keep their information private.
Non-Confidential Resources - are required to share information with the Title IX office—and in some cases law
enforcement—so appropriate safety measures and next steps can be taken.
The Campus Safety and Security Department at Terra State Community College provides
a safe and secure environment for all members of the Terra State family, including
students, faculty, staff and campus visitors. The Office of Campus Safety and Security
supports student learning by ensuring a safe and secure environment on campus by enforcing
the policies and regulations set by the college.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational
programs and activities. At Terra State, Title IX helps ensure a learning and working
environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating
violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Students, employees, and visitors can report
concerns and access support resources through the College's Title IX process.
Hazing is prohibited at Terra State Community College, on and off campus, and will
not be tolerated. Hazing includes acts associated with joining, maintaining membership
in, or affiliating with a student organization or group that cause or create a substantial
risk of physical or mental harm. Under Ohio Revised Code Sections 2903.31 and 2903.311, hazing is a criminal offense, and certain college employees and other designated
individuals are legally required to immediately report known hazing to law enforcement.
Hazing prevention is a shared responsibility. Anyone who experiences, witnesses, or
becomes aware of suspected hazing should promptly report it to Campus Safety, the
Dean of Student Success, or local law enforcement. Students and organizations may
face disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct, as well as applicable
criminal penalties.
The Ohio Department of Higher Education is committed to changing campus culture and
addressing sexual violence as the crisis it is. Since launching Changing Campus Culture in 2015, ODHE has worked to raise awareness across Ohio colleges and universities.
Now, we’re moving forward with the ALIGN campaign—promoting mutual respect, rejecting
harmful stereotypes, and uniting Ohioans. ALIGN uses positive messaging to dispel
myths, support healthy relationships, and help create safer campuses for everyone.
We invite you to share and reinforce this message in your own communities. Together,
our voices can ALIGN our priorities and help end sexual violence in Ohio.
Tri-County Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Education Consortium
Terra State Community College, Bowling Green State University, and BGSU Firelands
are united to create safer, healthier learning environments for college students across
northwest Ohio. The consortium is building a sustainable, regional model that strengthens
student safety, mental health and overall well‑being. We provide training, create
awareness, and forge strategic community partnerships to increase access to critical
services and support for victims of sexual violence.
