Steps For Effective Bystander Intervention
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Steps For Effective Bystander Intervention

Bystander intervention is the act of stepping in to prevent or stop inappropriate, harmful, or dangerous behavior. This approach can make a significant difference in various situations, from stopping bullying to preventing potential assaults. Understanding how to intervene safely and effectively is crucial for creating a safer, more supportive community. Here, we will explore different…

How Our Response to Disclosures of Sexual Violence Impacts Survivors
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How Our Response to Disclosures of Sexual Violence Impacts Survivors

How we react to disclosures of sexual assault significantly impacts a survivor’s healing process.1 58-94% of survivors seek informal support from a loved one.2 It’s important we learn how to respond to disclosures of sexual assault, as research shows that the way others respond to disclosure can have a great impact on a survivor’s mental…

Why Do People Victim-Blame?
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Why Do People Victim-Blame?

To victim-blame is to explicitly state or imply that the person who experienced a crime or an act of violence is fully or partially to blame for what happened. Survivors of sexual assault face victim-blaming that is more stigmatizing and silencing than those who are victims of other crimes.1 The intensity of victim-blaming can also…

What is a Bystander?
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What is a Bystander?

A bystander is anyone who witnesses an event/incident happen. Bystanders can observe a variety of situations, ranging from a minor disagreement to serious emergency. Their actions–or inactions– significantly affect the outcome of the situation.  Understanding the Bystander 1 The Bystander Effect The bystander effect is a social phenomenon where people do not intervene in a…

The Bystander Effect and Why We Fail to Act
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The Bystander Effect and Why We Fail to Act

What is the Bystander Effect? The concept of the bystander effect 1 was popularized by social psychologists in 1964 following the infamous murder of Kitty Genovese. Kitty was brutally attacked outside her apartment in New York City. It was reported that dozens of neighbors either witnessed the attack or heard her cries for help, yet…

Types of Self-Care

Types of Self-Care

In recent years, self-care has become a buzzword, often reduced to concepts such as bubble baths and face masks. While these activities can certainly be part of one’s self-care routine, stopping our understanding of self-care here is limiting.  What is Self-Care? Self-care is the act of taking steps to improve, preserve, and maintain one’s well…