At Lehigh, we believe that intervening when others need assistance or are in a situation that may lead to a crisis or need for help, is an expectation of community citizenship. “Bystanding” during a crisis or when a student needs assistance is not a viable option. Some common situations in which Lehigh students intervene to help a friend in need include alcohol and alcohol poisoning, anger issues, depression, discrimination, disordered eating, hazing, relationship abuse/violence and sexual assault just to name a few.
Lehigh Students Intervene
A bystander is a person who wants to act and help, but doesn’t. Lehigh students choose to intervene rather than be passive observers. According to the Lehigh NCHA Spr. ’15 data, during the school year:
9 out of 10 Lehigh students intervene when witness to someone being taken advantage of sexually; and
Nearly 75% of Lehigh students who intervene do so because it’s the “right thing to do” or because “someone needed help.”
Intervening can include: trying to stop the act from happening, talking to an administrator, coach or other professional staff member; and/or talking to a friend, teammate or other students.
