The #ItTakesAllOfUsSFU Campaign

Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to do when something doesn't feel right. The #ItTakesAllOfUsSFU campaign helps students, faculty and staff recognize concerning situations, understand their options, and choose a safe action to intervene. By taking action, we can help create a safer campus community and connect people with support.

Hesitation is normal. If something doesn’t feel right, you don’t need perfect words or dramatic action to make a difference. You have options. Learn practical ways to safely respond to sexualized violence and support someone who may be experiencing harm.

Why taking action matters

• Small actions can interrupt a situation before harm occurs.
• Taking action can help someone feel supported and less isolated.
• You don't need to handle a situation alone. Support is available.
• Choosing any safe action is often better than doing nothing.
• When community members take action, it helps create a safer and more respectful campus  

The 4 Actions: Tips on How to Intervene

When it comes to intervening in situations that could lead to sexualized violence, trust your judgment. Sometimes the best time to act is after something has happened and not on the spot.

Please consider your physical and emotional safety and the safety of others. Don’t choose to intervene in ways that put you or anyone else at risk of harm. Be mindful of your boundaries and get to know the resources available to you and others on and off campus, in case you need support.

Supporting someone who is experiencing harm

If you see someone experiencing harm, you can take steps to support them. There is no one right way to respond. Always consider what feels safe and appropriate in the moment, and remember that even a small action can make a difference.

During the Incident:

• Name and acknowledge the harm.
  Name and identify the inappropriate behaviour so that it’s not ignored. Create an opportunity for discussion about why this behaviour is harmful.
• Interrupt the behaviour.
  Create a distraction and call attention away from the person being targeted. By interrupting the behaviour, you may protect someone from being hurt and /or prevent someone from causing harm.
• Publicly support someone who has experienced harm.
  By showing your support for the person who has experienced harm, you're indicating that the harmful behaviour is not acceptable.
• Use body language to show your disapproval.
  Use non-verbal body language to disrupt the behaviour without confronting the person who's causing harm.
• Encourage dialogue.
  We all come from different cultures and lived experiences. Sometimes we say or do things that unintentionally hurt someone else. Some tensions may be due to people misunderstanding each other's beliefs, motivations or intentions. Open conversations can help build understanding
• Call for help.
  Recognize the harmful situation and get help from someone who's better able to intervene or cope with the situation.

After the Incident:

• Check in and offer support to the person impacted.
  Listen with compassion and offer to connect them to support resources.
• Talk privately with the person who caused harm (if you feel safe doing so).
  If the person who caused harm is a friend, co-worker, classmate, family member, or other acquaintance, you may consider having a private conversation with them about their comments or actions. Clearly identify the harmful comments / actions and offer to explain why their behaviour wasn't okay.
• De-brief with an SVSPO Case Manager.
  If you're unsure of what to do after an incident, an SVSPO case manager can guide you through any potential next steps.
• Tend to your own wellbeing.
  Witnessing such situations can be difficult to process, especially if you feel like your intervention was unsuccessful. Be mindful of your own well-being and get support if you're feeling negatively impacted by the situation.