Bystander Intervention Programming with Faculty: Recommendations for Institutions of Higher Education

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Higher Education Studies
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Bystander intervention programs aim to prevent sexual violence on campuses.
• Impact on faculty members remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• Examine faculty perspectives and motivations for participating in a bystander intervention program.
• Identify strategies for effective implementation of faculty-focused programs.

Main Methods:

• Conducted three faculty focus groups (N=10) at a southwestern U.S. university.
• Recruited faculty through voluntary participation in a bystander intervention program.

Main Results:

• Faculty reported gaining new vocabulary for sensitive conversations.
• Participants increased awareness of best intervention practices and practical tools.
• Identified implementation strategies to foster bystander behavior change.

Conclusions:

• Faculty-focused bystander intervention programs equip faculty with valuable skills.
• Effective implementation can promote non-violent campus cultures and reduce sexual violence.