Distract
• Do what you can to interrupt the situation. A distraction can give the person at risk a chance to get to a safe place.
• Cut off the conversation with a diversion like, “Let’s get pizza, I’m starving,” or “This party is lame. Let’s try somewhere else.”
• Bring out fresh food or drinks and offer them to everyone at the party, including the people you are concerned about.
• Start an activity that is draws other people in, like a game, a debate, or a dance
party.
Direct
• Talk directly to the person who might be in trouble.
• Ask questions like “Who did you come here with?” or “Would you like me to stay with you
?”
Delegate
•
Sometimes the safest way to intervene is to refer to a neutral party with the authority to change the situation, like an RA or security guard.
• Talk to a security guard, bartender, or another employee about your concerns. It’s in their best interest to ensure that their patrons are safe, and they will usually be willing to step in.
• Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you are concerned for someone else’s safety.
• It can be intimidating to approach a situation alone. Enlist another person to support you.
• Ask someone to come with you to approach the person at risk. When it comes to expressing concern, sometimes there is power in numbers.
• Ask someone to intervene in your place. For example, you could ask someone who knows the person at risk to escort them to the bathroom.
• Enlist the friend of the person you’re concerned about. “Your friend looks like they’ve had a lot to drink. Can you check on them?”