Colleges and universities across the country are informing their students about what it means to be an active bystander, in hopes that raising awareness of the issue will inhibit the trend of sexual violence on campus.

An active bystander is a person who intervenes to stop sexual assault or any other kind of sexual harassment.

Hunter Skinner, a freshmen medical lab science major, agrees with the movement.

“Raising awareness about being an active bystander can benefit everybody. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel safe?” Skinner said.

An active bystander doesn’t stand around or avoid an act of sexual assault. Active bystanders step in.

Even though he or she is not directly involved in the situation, active bystanders intervene or immediately report to legal authority when these situations occur.

Sometimes it is easy to see when sexual violence situations could arise long before they actually take place. 

Potentially violent situations could occur during social gatherings, especially when alcohol is involved.

Steven Mahon, Officer in Charge of UPD, said they are committed to keeping students safe from harm.

“The new guidelines on active bystanders will assist my officers in reducing, preventing and apprehending individuals responsible for sexual and relationship violence,” Mahon said. 

The list includes looking out for friends and peers, speaking up when someone plans to take advantage of another person and stepping in when someone needs help.

Students are encouraged to believe their peers when they disclose personal information regarding sexual assault, stalking or abusive behaviors.

Red call posts are placed throughout campus as a safety resource for any student who feels threatened.

“Raising awareness about being an active bystander will benefit everyone on campus by giving a sense of safety, because we take care of one another,” said Haleigh Bryant, a freshmen graphic design major.

A study by breakthecycle.org shows that 58 percent of college students do not know how to help a victim. 

One in two women and one in five men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime, according to the CDC.

The initiative aims to educate bystanders on how to handle situations while maintaining their own safety. 

A bystander’s handbook, provided by notalone.gov, insists that the personal safety of the bystander is important.

The goal of increasing safety begins with a safer community.