What is the Bystander Effect? The concept of the bystander effect 1 was popularized by social psychologists in 1964 following the infamous murder of Kitty Genovese. Kitty was brutally attacked outside her apartment in New York City. It was reported that dozens of neighbors either witnessed the attack or heard her cries for help, yet…
A bystander is anyone who witnesses an event/incident happen. Bystanders can observe a variety of situations, ranging from a minor disagreement to serious emergency. Their actions–or inactions– significantly affect the outcome of the situation. Understanding the Bystander 1 The Bystander Effect The bystander effect is a social phenomenon where people do not intervene in a…
Bystander intervention is the act of stepping in to prevent or stop inappropriate, harmful, or dangerous behavior. This approach can make a significant difference in various situations, from stopping bullying to preventing potential assaults. Understanding how to intervene safely and effectively is crucial for creating a safer, more supportive community. Here, we will explore different…
What is “Virginity?” Virginity is referred to as the state of being in which an individual has never had sex. The concept of virginity is inherently tied to the concept of purity, which is a concept seen throughout different religions and cultures. Virginity is a social construct that can sometimes be used to shame others….
What is Purity Culture? In the context of religion, purity refers to a state of moral integrity and cleanliness, and it is often tied to an individual’s worth. Purity culture is a movement widely associated with the white, Evangelical Christian Purity Movement that happened in the United States during the 1990’s. However, aspects of purity…
Every survivor is different, and for some survivors, Halloween may just be another holiday. For others, it may be emotionally activating for a number of reasons. Why might Halloween be difficult for survivors of sexual and domestic violence? Some of the imagery or norms associated with Halloween can be difficult for survivors to manage. It’s…
It can be really difficult when a friend discloses to us that another friend has perpetrated sexual violence. But it’s not our business, right? It’s unfair for our friends to ask us to pick a side, right? Wrong. While that mindset is fine for a conflict between mutual friends, sexual violence is not an interpersonal…
Sexual assault is any kind of non-consensual physical sexual act. It is an umbrella term that itself falls underneath the umbrella of sexual violence. Sexual assault covers a wide range of sexually violent acts that involve physical contact. All sexual assaults are acts of sexual violence, but not all acts of sexual violence are sexual…
Consent is essential in all of our interactions, not just sexual activity. When it comes to sexual acts, the presence of consent is what differentiates sex from sexual assault. Before we become sexually active, we need to understand what consent is and what it looks like. Sexual acts without consent are not sex, they are…
The “perfect victim” is a common victim-blaming myth that has a negative effect on survivors. The perfect victim is an archetype outlining how a survivor “should” act during and after experiencing violence or abuse. These notions are often used to discredit, blame, and shame survivors who do not fit this narrow description, despite the fact…
What Do I Call Someone Who Has Experienced Sexual, Domestic, or Intimate Partner Violence? When referring to people who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or domestic violence, it can be difficult to know what term to use. Different words have different connotations and implications, and all people have a different relationship with what…
Consensual sex can happen after using substances. So, why do we state that consent is sober? When we say that consent is sober, we mean free from significant cognitive impairment. We encourage people to have sex when they are sober rather than when they’re under the influence because we know people may say “Yes” to…
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