Evaluation of a College-Based Bystander Behavior Intervention to Reduce Dating Violence

Bystander interventions aim to reduce violence by encouraging individuals to intervene in a safe and effective manner when they hear or see circumstances that could lead to violence.  This study sought to assess the impact of a bystander intervention to reduce dating violence on a college campus.

Using a quasi-experimental design, student participants were drawn from two colleges in Virginia. The intervention group (n=329), all in one college, participated in a bystander behavior intervention to reduce dating violence.  The intervention included (1) a 30-minute presentation at the new student orientation about dating violence, including sexual assault, and bystander behaviors to prevent dating violence, and (2) a 1-week long social marketing campaign, the Red Flag Campaign.  Comparison group comprised students (N=328) from a similar college without such an intervention. Both groups completed a survey before and after the intervention. A difference-in-difference approach was used to examine the change in self-reported behaviors.

Results showed a significant increase in bystander behaviors before and after the intervention, after accounting for changes in the comparison group over the same time period. After the intervention, students reported an increase of 1.41 more bystander behaviors (p=0.04) than prior to the intervention. No significant changes were found for bystander intentions, self-efficacy, social norms, or attitudes. 

The White House has recognized bystander interventions as an effective method for preventing dating violence. Prior research has primarily examined bystander behaviors to prevent sexual assault; therefore, these findings will help inform future programs targeting prevention of broader types of dating violence.