Every day young people just like you are making a stand against violence.
By safely stepping in and stepping up when you see bullying, insults, arguments or fights, you can stop violence from happening or escalating.
Doing this will have a positive impact on so many lives – including yours and your mates – and could create a safer Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Making a stand against violence takes courage, and we can help you with it. Be a mate – take action.
How do I make a stand?
Just by being a good mate.
There are things you can do if you hear, see or know about something that doesn’t feel quite right.
Before you do anything though, it’s vital to first check that you’re safe. Then, be a good mate and take action in one of these ways:
- Cool it down. Say something that will help ease the tension.
- Be direct. If you know something isn’t right, say so.
- Get help. Find someone you trust to step in and help.
The most important part of being an active bystander is to keep yourself safe first.
Intervening to help someone is about making a positive difference, but never at the expense of your own well-being.
Before you act, take a few seconds to do a quick safety assessment to check for immediate threats:
- Is there a physical threat? Are people shoving or yelling? Are there any weapons involved?
- Are you alone? Is there someone nearby to offer you support?
- Are they under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
If you do not feel safe, delegate – get help from a trusted adult or contact the police.
Cool it down
Do or say something that will help distract your mate from the situation.
- Check you’re safe to act.
- Ask them to get some fresh air or food with you – anything to get them away.
- Say something like “Hey, I need to talk to you” or “Let’s get out of here”.
- Speak to your friends and agree on how you can cool it down. You don’t have to do it by yourself.
Be direct
When you know something isn’t right, speak up and be direct.
- Shut it down before it escalates, don’t let someone be pressured into something they don’t want to do.
- Decide if it’s safe for you to say something, and that it won’t escalate things more.
- Tell your mates who are involved why their actions aren’t okay, and that you don’t want to see them get hurt.
- Say things like: “that’s not funny, we don’t say that here”.
- Don’t let someone be pressured into doing something they don’t want to do (such as have a fight).
Get help
If the situation isn’t safe for you to step in, go and get someone you trust.
- Take a look at the situation. If alcohol or weapons are involved, don’t step in.
- Tell a teacher, friend, parent, the police, a bouncer, or any adult you trust that you need their help.
The next day
If you saw a situation unfold, it’s good to check in with the person involved the next day.
- Ask them if they’re okay and let them know they’re not alone.
- Be a mate and support them after the event. If it wasn’t their fault, let them know that.
