Sexual Assault Prevention
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Everyone can make a difference in preventing sexual violence on campus. We encourage you to understand the importance of consent, speak up when you see or hear disrespectful behavior and get involved in sexual violence prevention groups.
Be a NOBULL Bystander
We all have a role to play in making UB a safe environment to live, learn, and explore. Being an empowered bystander can help us move from standing by to stepping up. It’s not always easy, but each of us can help in our own way, and we can learn skills to help in safer and more effective ways.
Five Steps to Successful Bystander Intervention
Helping is about five separate decisions:
- Notice the Event: Be aware of your surroundings, and watch for warning signs.
- Interpret the Event as a Problem: If something is unclear, clear it up. Don’t just brush it off.
- Assume Personal Responsibility: Don’t assume someone else will help.
- Know How To Help: Learn direct and indirect ways to help.
- Implement the Help: Choose the safest, most appropriate strategy and step up.
Three D's of Bystander Intervention
- Direct: Directly address the problem behavior.
- Distract: Anything that safely distracts someone enough to discontinue the problem behavior.
- Delegate: If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe intervening, delegate the intervention to someone more appropriate.
Five Reasons Why We Intervene
- It’s the right thing to do
- I would want someone to help me in that situation
- Someone needed help
- People should look out for each other
- So the situation wouldn’t escalate
Take the Next Step
Help make UB a safer place to live, work, and learn. Take the training to be an empowered bystander or join our nationally-recognized team of student leaders.
Join our Peer Education Course and become a Nationally Certified Health & Wellness Peer Educator.
Request a Bystander Intervention Training for your club, organization, or area, or attend our next scheduled training.
Find Help and Resources
Campus Resources
On-campus emergencies and crime prevention, 24/7
Bissell Hall, North Campus
Phone: (716) 645-2227; Emergencies: (716) 645-2222
A confidential resource who can inform you of your options and support you with every step that you decide to take
On-Campus Advocate
Crisis Services
315 Michael Hall, South Campus
Phone: Call or text (716) 796-4399; 24-hour hotline: (716) 834-3131
Student conduct rules and regulations, and campus-wide student support
Student Life
University at Buffalo
9 Norton Hall, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6154; Fax: (716) 645-3376
Someone to talk to for mental health issues
Student Life
University at Buffalo
120 Richmond Quadrangle, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14261
Phone: (716) 645-2720; Fax: (716) 645-2175
University at Buffalo
202 Michael Hall, South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: (716) 829-5800
Primary, non-emergency medical care
Student Life
University at Buffalo
Michael Hall, 3435 Main Street, South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: (716) 829-3316; Fax: (716) 829-2564
Preventative health and wellness education
Student Life
University at Buffalo
114 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-2837; Fax: (716) 645-6234
Support for addressing discrimination and harassment
406 Capen Hall, North Campus
Phone: (716) 645-2266
Additional Resources
Sexual Assault
Relationship Abuse and Domestic Violence Support
Hotlines
- NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence 24-hour Hotline 1-800-492-6906
- Domestic Violence Shelter 24-hour Hotline (716) 884-6000
Crisis Text Line
Need to talk? The Crisis Text Line provides 24-hour support for people experiencing a mental health or situational crisis. Users are connected to a trained Crisis Counselor, who will help them develop a plan to stay safe. Messages are confidential, anonymous and secure. Data usage while texting the Crisis Text Line is free and the number will not appear on a phone bill. Text: “GOT5” to 741-741
Survivor of an Unwanted Sexual Experience?
If you or someone you know needs support dealing with the emotional, physical or legal challenges of surviving a sexual assault or other unwanted sexual experience, we can help you.
