Dedicating to ending sexual violence on campus
PROGRAMS & TOOLS
PREVENTION
PROGRAMMING MATRIX
Step UP! Bystander Intervention Program
The goals of Step UP! are to “raise awareness of helping behaviors, increase motivation to help, develop skills and confidence when responding to problems or concerns, and ensure the safety and well-being of self and others.”
- Mostly virtual (Zoom); in-person can be accommodated
- Customized programs based on group
Website
http://stepupprogram.org/
| Program Name | Level of Evidence | Format | Target Audience | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Step UP! Bystander Intervention Program
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Supported By Evidence |
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Step UP! is unique in that it addresses other interrelated topics, can be used with virtually any demographic, very interactive, incorporates research on kindness and includes an advanced training that teaches a systems approach to addressing problems. Presentations are customized. |
Methods
- General Training and Train the Trainer: Those interested in becoming facilitators of the Step Up! program can sign up for a Train the Trainer webinar which includes the PPT and all materials. A general training is also available (no PPT). Further information can be gathered by contacting the Step UP! program directly.
- Initial Training: The initial Step UP! training is a general training based on proven theories and lasts 90-120 minutes. It raises awareness about the barriers to intervention, then teaches strategies and skills to overcome those barriers. Program methods include a PPT, videos, live polling, discussion, and scenarios.
- An advanced training (Beyond the Basics) is also available. Developed in collaboration with the Waters Center for Systems Thinking and the Consortium on Gender Based Violence at The University of Arizona, the advanced content includes examining sexual violence from a systems approach to understand more about the power and influences that may contribute to harmful behaviors and factors to consider when designing or evolving existing programs.
Dosage
Step UP! recommends participation in two training sessions. Participants should attend a 90-minute foundational bystander intervention training followed by a 60-minute Sexual Assault education program that then ties back to the foundational training and how to intervene. Additional sessions (addressing different topics and reinforcing the skills and strategies needed to intervene) strengthen and the message to make it stronger and more sustainable. Advanced trainings are longer and more in depth.
Logistics
- The initial Step UP! foundational training must be completed before the Sexual Assault presentation addressing Sexual Assault/Interpersonal Violence/Harassment/Stalking, etc.
- Facilitators can participate in a Train the Trainer webinar in order to lead future presentations. The included PPT provides tips and strategies for implementation and facilitation.
- We encourage you to work with your campus experts on the Sexual Assault topic presentation,, can be tailored to include local resources and information.
Population Served
Students, Faculty, Staff; Businesses and Organizations
Theoretical Basis For Approach
Theories that informed the program include: the Social-Ecological Model, Bystander Intervention, Pro-social Behavior, Motivational Interviewing, Systems Thinking, Social and Emotional Learning, Stages of Change, and social norms (among others).
Program Effectiveness
A study using data from 731 students across 49 trainings evaluated the Step UP! Bystander Intervention Program was published in the American Journal of Health Studies. The results found that significantly more student-athletes compared to non-athletes reported witnessing 4 of the 5 problem behaviors, and participation significantly improved knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy to use bystander intervention behaviors among collegiate student-athletes and non-athletes.
PARTICIPATING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Visit the Step Up website to see a full list of participating institutions.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR ADMINIsTRATORS
The Sexual Assault topic presentation is not a stand-alone program. Thus, administrators should consider implementing Step UP! in its entirety which requires an additional 90 minute presentation but also presents the opportunity for other topic presentations to be utilized.
HOW TO ACCESS THIS PROGRAM
Many resources are available online at no cost. Train the Trainer or General Trainings are available and and cost is determined by various factors (number of participants/length of training/etc.)
Contact: Becky Bell - bell@arizona.edu
Sources
Orsini, M. M., Milroy, J. J., Bernick, J. B., Bruce, S., Gonzalez, J., Bell, B., & Wyrick, D. L. (2019). Bystander intervention training that goes beyond sexual violence prevention. American Journal of Health Studies, 34(2), 80-87.