The bystander effect happens every single day all over the world. A stranger is in trouble, and somehow the more people that surround them, the less likely they’ll receive any form of help.
It is a tragic psychological effect that takes hold, leaving perfectly capable people to stand idly by while a person in need is left defenseless. With recent assaults on the PSU campus as well as other attacks around Portland, it brings into question: Who will take a stand and help those in need?
It’s a familiar occurence. A commotion starts nearby you and a crowd of others; everyone turns to watch out of curiosity and confusion. It’s a difficult situation for anyone to be put in for sure. What can you possibly do as just one person?
Surely someone else with more experience will come forward and stop whatever is taking place. But that is hardly ever the way things go.
The day after Christmas, 14-year-old Portland resident Karley Buckland was on her way home on the MAX after a shopping trip. As she stood, peacefully minding her own business, a group of rowdy teen girls approached Buckland and attacked her.
Although someone managed to snag a cell phone video of the entire incident, no one came to Buckland’s aid. The gang of three or four teenage girls, complete strangers to Buckland, continued to beat her as she cowered in the corner of the train. The MAX was relatively full of people, but not one person called out or got involved.
Compared to other cities around the country, Portland is a relatively safe place. Not to mention the general “Portland attitude” seems to be helpful, kind and selfless. So how is it that time and time again we fall into the same category of passing the buck when someone’s in trouble?
The attack on Buckland is particularly alarming because her assailants were merely teenage girls. A big reason bystanders choose to remain uninvolved is the concern that they will become hurt themselves.
It is entirely disappointing that a train packed with full-grown adults felt no responsibility to step in and take further action, even though they clearly outnumbered the group of rambunctious girls.
Place yourself in the victim’s shoes. If you found yourself in a difficult situation, being assaulted or otherwise, you would give anything in the world to have someone come to your aid. Unfortunately, many times people placed in these terrifying scenarios are near more than enough people to help, and no one does. It is a heartbreaking and scary event that can be life-altering.
If you see something and choose to intervene, do not take the whole weight on your shoulders. Assessing a situation before taking action is key. There is always greater safety in groups than when we’re alone and it is extremely important to avoid becoming physically involved.
Studies have shown that verbal warnings aimed at an assailant do wonders in preventing the severity of an attack. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking up alone, ask for assistance from others around you, there is far greater strength in numbers.
Your first step when encountering any emergency should be contacting the proper authorities. Calling 911 is a good response, but when on campus it is also wise to call the Campus Public Safety Office emergency dispatch line at 503-725-4404. If you see something troubling, call immediately.
There is no shame in being mistaken if someone’s safety could potentially be at risk. It is also helpful to learn where the emergency telephones are located on campus.
Maintaining personal safety is vital, especially for PSU students, since the campus is based downtown. Learning the layout of the campus isn’t just a good idea as it makes getting around easier; it will help you navigate the area in the safest manner possible.
Stay alert to your surroundings, particularly at nighttime. All too often we bury ourselves in our phones, iPods and other electronic devices instead of staying aware of the space around us. These cautions may seem simple and obvious, but we are guilty of constantly ignoring them, trusting that “it won’t happen to me.”
Whether you witness an attack or are being attacked personally, it is best to go with your instincts. Know your personal abilities to fight back, or if you have the option of running or shouting to get attention. Our belongings are never worth risking safety, and compliance in many situations is key. No two scenarios are the same; it is up to you alone for what course of action you will choose.
Prevention is the very best method of safety. Stay alert, travel in groups whenever possible and know your surroundings. Take advantage of campus escort services if necessary. The CPSO offers a free, 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year escort service to any individual on the PSU campus.
PSU students, faculty and staff should band together and have each other’s back. We are a community of like-minded individuals. Most incidents are preventable; and by simply making an effort to follow proper safety protocol, we can all feel more secure while at PSU.
By standing strong as a group, we can make our campus the safest environment possible.