Bystander Trainers
Research done in Boston college has shown that students who attend a Bystander presentation are more likely to intervene in questionable situations that could lead to sexual assault. 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 students who come together to inform Boston college students what sexual violence incorporates as well as red flags that leadup to such violence, and intervention techniques to keep fellow students on this campus safe from sexual violence. The entire first year class receives two presentations delivered by Bystander trainers during their freshman year. The first presentation is 30 minutes long and is in the beginning of the semester, and a second, more in depth presentation is an hour and fifteen minutes long further into the semester to reinforce those topics. Bystander trainers themselves attend weekly educational meetings to gain a broader understanding of sexual assault on college campuses, and serve as role models of proactive Bystanders in everyday life.
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, and advocacy team members put on two events 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
Applications for Bystander Intervention come out during the Spring Semester. Please fill out our interest form, email bystand@bc.edu, follow us on instagram @bcbystander, or come visit the Women’s Center (Maloney 441) if you are interested in applying and/or attending our community events!
Become a Bystander Trainer
Bystander Education Trainers teach their peers about the importance of speaking out and standing up to prevent sexual violence from occuring. They are 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 Bystander Intervention come out during the spring semester, typically in March. Please fill out our interest form, email bystand@bc.edu, follow us on instagram @bcbystander, or come visit the Women’s Center (Maloney 441) if you are interested in applying and/or attending our community events!