THE 3 Ds

Three simple ways to step in safely when something doesn’t feel right.

3 Ways You Can Help

You don’t have to confront someone directly to help. Distract, Delegate, or Document depending on the situation and what feels safest for you.

DISTRACT

Create a simple interruption that changes the moment without directly confronting anyone.

Try something simple:

“Hey, I need you for a second.”
“Do you know where the library is?”
“Come sit with us.”
“Can you help me with something?”

DELEGATE

Ask someone else to help when they may be in a better position to step in.

Who could you ask?

A friend or classmate
Faculty or staff
A campus employee
Campus safety or security
911 if there is immediate danger

DOCUMENT

Record or write down what you notice only when it is safe to do so.

Keep in mind:

Write down what you saw or heard.
Include the time, place, and details you remember.
Do not put yourself in danger to record.
Do not post or share recordings publicly.
Let the person affected decide what they want done with it.

Which D Should I Use?

There isn’t one right answer. Choose the option that feels safest and makes sense for the situation.

DISTRACT

You notice someone looks uncomfortable during a conversation.

Try:

Walk over and ask them to help you with something or invite them to join you.

DELEGATE

You’re concerned about a situation but don’t feel comfortable stepping in yourself.

Try:

Find a faculty member, staff member, friend, or campus safety employee who can help.

DOCUMENT

You witnessed something concerning and want to remember the details.

Try:

Write down what you saw, where it happened, and when it happened while the details are still fresh.

Your Safety Matters Too

You never have to put yourself in danger to intervene. Choose the D that feels safest for the situation, get someone else involved when needed, and call 911 if there is immediate danger.