Skip to main content

Don’t just stand there, be a Catalyst Bystander!

While we cannot choose whether we will witness a situation that can go badly, we can choose how we respond…

Catalyst Bystander – A person who chooses to do something to decrease the likelihood that a situation will end badly.

Being a Catalyst Bystander begins with some key reminders:

  • Take A Second Look – If something doesn’t seem right, look again…
  • Check-In – It can be as simple as asking, “Are you okay?”
  • Ask yourself, “What if this were happening to someone I loved?”

The three “D’s” of intervention

Direct – Directly intervening, in the moment, to prevent a problem situation from happening

Delegate – Seeking help from another individual, often someone who is authorized to represent others, such as a police officer or campus official.

Distract – Interrupting the situation without directly confronting the offender.

Do not put yourself at risk. If you, or someone else is in imminent danger call JCU PD at 216-397-1234.

The JCU Community is dedicated to creating a safe culture for all students. Bystander Intervention training is offered to all rising sophomores as well as other student and campus groups.

VPAC offers customized education and prevention programs for any group associated with John Carroll University. To request a presentation please complete the form here.

Volunteer at VPAC

VPAC finds that involving students in the formation and execution of projects and programs helps to ensure a more effective final product. There are several opportunities for students to become involved. For example, there are spots available for students on the Campus Violence Prevention Working Group as well as opportunities for students to offer feedback around a variety of programming.

Take Back The Night (TBTN)

Take Back the Night is a student organization committed to working toward ending sexual violence and domestic violence. They also strive to a provide a voice to those who have been impacted by these issues. TBTN organizes a week-long series of events that occur in April to bring awareness about these issues to the John Carroll community. If you are interested in finding out more about the organization or joining please contact the advisor.