Hazing Intervention

Method #1: Confrontation -Engage people in thinking more critically about hazing.

As a bystander you could:

• Express your concerns and demonstrate your care for the person about what is happening to them
• Talk about the specifics for why you are concerned
• Describe how what is happening makes you and others feel
• Ask the other person if they understand your point of view
• Brainstorm with the other person about what can be done to address what is going on
• Offer support and encouragement for change
• Agree on a plan for follow up

(Berkowitz, 2009)

Method #2: Shifting the Focus – Disengage from the hazing by focusing elsewhere

As a bystander you could:

• If a person engages you to participate in hazing, find a way to ignore, not engage, or show that you will not participate.
• If a person persists in urging you to participate in hazing, shift attention away; try changing the subject and talking about something else to convey you aren’t available or interested in participating.
• When hazing comes up reframe or revise a remark or behavior and shift attention to another activity or behavior free of hazing that works to achieve the group’s goals.
• Instigate discussion about positive values and non-hazing approaches to group bonding.

Method #3: Shifting Attitudes – Engage in extended discussions and trainings

This includes actions and activities that:

• Increase awareness of hazing
• Facilitate a change in a person or group’s attitudes about hazing and how the perceptions of hazing are incorrect — meaning there are other healthy ways to reach group goals and create a sense of belonging and connection within the group.
• Instigate a change in an offending person’s or group’s understanding about why hazing and their specific behavior is problematic and is in misalignment with their goals, values, mission, etc.

1. Having a relationship of some kind (even temporary) with the person(s) you are confronting. It is easier and more effective to build on a prior connection or relationship with a person or group you are trying to confront.
2. Seeing something that needs to be changed or improved. Pointing to specific behaviors that are problematic and can be changed is more effective than vague, overarching, or general comments and criticisms about hazing.
3. Being involved in the situation in some way. You are on more solid ground when you let people know how you are involved and that the situation matters to you.
4. Being willing to help the person (or group) understand the effect of their behavior on you and/or others. Show that you are willing and able to be a part of the solution.
5. Communicate in ways that decrease defensiveness. Decreasing defensiveness can help others be more open to gaining understanding and insight that will help them shift their attitudes and behavior.
6. Engage in “open talk.” Use a conversational style that emphasizes genuine interest and openness and conveys mutual respect and understanding.

(Adapted from Berkowitz, 2009)