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Sexual Assault Bystander Intervention Training

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About See the Signs, Speak Out

Free, online-based trainings for workplaces

Seethesigns.org

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I. Intro to bystander intervention– 10 min II. Understanding Sexual Assault – 25 minutesIII. How to Intervene Video and Exercise – 25 minutesIV. Wrap-up/Evaluation

Agenda

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By the end of today’s training you will know how to…

intervene as a bystander to prevent sexual violence

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Ground rules

Take care of yourself

Be respectful

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What is Bystander Intervention?

by•stand•er in•ter•ven•tion (\ˈbī-ˌstan-dər\ \ˌin-tər-ˈven(t)-shən\):

Intervening if you see or hear behaviors that promote domestic and sexual violence.

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What’s My Role?

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Become empowered to help

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make a differenceWhen my boss reached out to me…I could count on her support when I needed to do things for me like get counseling. - J. (Domestic violence and sexual assault survivor, age 23)

While in treatment for PTSD, my productivity at my very demanding job slowed. My employer showed she was sensitive and empathetic and so I disclosed my difficulties. She presented me with an accommodation that is enabling me to continue working as I heal.

- C. (Sexual assault survivor, Age 34, Ohio)

10Understanding Sexual Violence

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1.What is sexual assault?

2.What is consent?3.What is the role of alcohol in sexual violence?

4.How does sexual violence impact victims & workplaces?

5.How can I help?

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Sexual Assault: penetration (however slight) of the vaginal or anal cavities with any body part or object, or oral to genital contact when consent is not present.Sexual Violence: any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone's will.

What is sexual assault?

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Who are the perpetrators?

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In reality, most sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim

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Approximately 2/3 of rapes were committed by someone known to the victim. U.S. Department of Justice. 2005 National Crime Victimization Study. 2005

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What is consent?

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What is consent?

Assumed Silence

Previous interactions

Clear and Unambiguous

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What is the role of alcohol in sexual violence?

intoxicated + substantially impaired ≠ consent

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What is the role of alcohol in sexual violence?

Fact: some perpetrators use alcohol to control their victims and render them helpless.

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What is the role of alcohol in sexual violence?

Fact: Perpetrators who commit sexual violence are solely responsible for their actions.

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How does sexual violence impact victims & workplaces?

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Emotional Physical

Behavioral Mental

Common Reactions to Sexual Violence

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Impact on Work

1Duhart, D. (2001). Violence in the Workplace, 1993-99. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Available at http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/vw99.pdf.) 2Baum, Katrina, Catalano, Shannan, Rand, Michael and Rose, Kristina. 2009. Stalking Victimization in the United States. U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics. Available at: http://

www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/stalking-victimization.pdf (MacMillan, 2000).

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Absences, tardiness, difficulty concentrating

concerned about safety, intense emotions

Sleep, stomachaches, headaches

Numb, dazed, confusedStartle easily

Impact on Work

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How can I support a victim? Tell them you believe them Allow them to make their own choices Ask what can I do for you? What would be helpful? Remind them you are there for them Listen Say it’s not your fault

More information available at Startbybelieving.org

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Voices of survivors: if you could give one message to workplaces about domestic violence, what would it be?

Thank you for participating and helping your staff. It is a huge step in the right direction!

-K. (Female domestic violence/sexual assault survivor, age 46)

Believe and support your employees.

– R. (female sexual assault survivor, age 28)

Be understanding, [victims] are having a normal reaction to abnormal events. – M. (Sexual violence survivor, age 32, emphasis added)

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before we learn to intervene as bystanders…30 Second Stretch Break!