Because Sometimes There are no Bystanders

What I can tell you from my experience in the field, is that in the 25 years that I have been involved in this work, the programs that I see are working are the ones that are teaching how to interrupt violence the moment it begins to happen.

And while you might say, "Cool! That is what bystander intervention is all about" you need to understand one more piece of the puzzle.

While bystander intervention can be a wonderful option when there are, wait for it, bystanders.....

While bystander intervention can be a wonderful option when there are, wait for it, bystanders..... it isn't very useful when you are alone with the person threatening your safety.

So, nice for party, dance club and bar interventions, but not so effective for the date-gone-bad, or the partner who "had a bad day at work," or the majority of situations when the BAD begins when you are the only one there to protect yourself.

See, the funny thing about people who use violence to control and hurt others, they are pretty careful about not wanting anyone to get in their way.

The funny thing about people who use violence to control and hurt others, they are pretty careful about not wanting anyone to get in their way.

And that is one reason I keep saying that we all deserve an education that will allow us to be response-ABLE for our own safety.