PUBLIC SAFETY CORNER: 

Students learn bystander intervention tips with “Sex Signals”

by Robert Jackson

There are stories of people who step up and into situations that most people would ignore.  “That’s not my problem.”  “Maybe the punch was deserved.” “It’s not my household.”  There are a plethora of reasons bystanders give for not getting involved when they witness a volatile situation involving two or more people.

Southwest students earlier this spring learned about bystander intervention through “Sex Signals”.  The show highlighted different scenarios that could take place while on and off campus and provided insight into how students should conduct themselves if ever in similar situations.

Southwest student leader and ambassador Josue Flores says the show was eye-opening.  “I learned what to do if someone is assaulted on campus, including myself, and where to go on campus,” he said.

Presented by Catharsis Productions, “Sex Signals” is an unconventional, improvisational presentation that covers the dos and don’ts of dating as a college student.  The show features a two-person team of highly-trained educators who take the audience on an interactive, relevant, and often-hilarious exploration of the cultural messaging we receive about gender, sexuality, sexual health and intimate relationships. It examines what role culture and privilege play in justifying unhealthy and dangerous beliefs about what is acceptable social and sexual behavior.

Equity and Compliance Associate Director Inez Warner, J.D. says bystander intervention allows individuals to send powerful messages about what is acceptable and expected behavior in our community. “Bystander intervention involves the awareness, skills, and courage needed to intervene in a situation when another individual needs help,” Warner said. “In order to be a successful community, we have to be a responsible community,” she added.

Warner says Student Development and the Office of Equity & Compliance also launched the “See Something, Do Something” campaign to educate students on bystander intervention.  “Our goal is to equip our Saluqis with the necessary tools to foster a healthy community free of victim isolation and apathy.”

“Sex Signals” actors Jessamyn Fitzpatrick and Kyle Whalen say they truly enjoy helping students learn how to protect themselves and others. “Our goal is to engage students in the conversation of dating and use that information to discuss how to have better relationships and how to call out behavior that is harmful or divisive, and potentially predatory.”

For more information about bystander intervention and the “See Something, Do Something” campaign, contact the Office of Equity & Compliance at 333-5005.