Bystander Trainers

Research done at Boston College has shown that students who attend a Bystander presentation are more likely to intervene in questionable situations that could lead to sexual violence. We have also found the message of Bystander is best received when it is presented by a peer, which is why we have Bystander trainers! Bystander trainers are a group of BC students who teach their peers about sexual violence, red flags that often occur prior to such violence, and intervention techniques to keep fellow students safe from sexual violence. All Boston College students receive two presentations delivered by Bystander trainers during their first year at BC. The first presentation is 30 minutes long, and it is at the beginning of the semester. The second presentation, which occurs later in the semester, is a more in-depth discussion and reinforcement of the topics discussed in the first presentation. Bystander trainers themselves attend weekly educational meetings to learn how to better support survivors and dismantle oppression at BC.

Responsibilities of Bystander Team Members

Our continuing education meetings are on Mondays from 7:00–8:00 p.m., and all trainers are expected to attend. Our Monday meetings provide the space to build community, support each other, discuss current events related to sexual assault, and learn more from guest speakers. Outside of the continuing education commitment, we ask that each Bystander trainer give at least two presentations per semester.

Characteristics of Bystander Team Members

We are looking for students who are:

  • Passionate about sexual assault prevention
  • Personally willing to speak up or intervene in difficult situations
  • Comfortable with public speaking (or willing to learn)
  • Mature, responsible, and reliable
  • Able to make the time commitment

Bystander Intervention Trainers teach their peers about the importance of speaking out and standing up to prevent sexual violence from occuring. They are a part of a social movement that seeks to create a change in campus culture, and form a community of people who refuse to stand by in the face of violence. Applications for the Bystander Intervention '24-'25 Team are now open! Please fill out the application form by Sunday - March 3, 2024 at 11:59pm. Feel free to reach out to us at bystand@bc.edu or come visit the Women's Center (Maloney 441), if you have any questions!

Bystander Flier

    

Bystander Intervention Trainers teach their peers about the importance of speaking out and standing up to prevent sexual violence from occuring. They are a part of a social movement that seeks to create a change in campus culture, and form a community of people who refuse to stand by in the face of violence. Applications for the Bystander Intervention '24-'25 Team are now open! Please fill out the application form by Sunday - March 3, 2024 at 11:59pm. Feel free to reach out to us at bystand@bc.edu or come visit the Women's Center (Maloney 441), if you have any questions!