What are the three D’s of sexual assault? If you witness a sexual assault, the three D’s to remember are direct, distract, and delegate.
The action you take depends on the specifics of the situation. If you have survived a sexual assault, a Las Vegas sexual assault lawyer can help you get justice.
What it Means to Direct
The first of the three D’s of sexual assault is “Direct.” Bystanders implement the “direct” strategy by approaching the target of the assault and/or the aggressor directly. For example, if you see that a person looks uncomfortable with another party’s advances, you could approach the person and ask, “Are you okay?” or “Do you need help?” You could also lead the person away from the aggressor.
Other times, you could implement the first “D” by directly confronting the aggressor. You could tell them to stop their behavior and leave the target of their advances alone. The direct approach is immediate and effective when it can be implemented safely.
What it Means to Distract
The second “D” is “Distract” and is a more indirect way to intervene. A direct approach may not be safe. It could just make the aggressor angry and violent. You may be able to de-escalate the situation by creating a distraction.
You could spill your drink “by accident” near the aggressor and target, causing a minor commotion to split them apart. You could ask the target to borrow their phone or make up an excuse to have them accompany you to the bathroom.
You could even fake an emergency to disrupt the situation, perhaps telling the aggressor someone needs their help outside, or their car is about to get towed.
What it Means to Delegate
“Delegate” is the third of the three D’s of sexual assault. Sometimes, you can’t intervene directly or even indirectly on your own. In those situations, you can delegate by seeking help from others and asking them to take part in the effort.
If you’re in a college dorm, you may get help from your floor’s resident advisor (RA) or a faculty member. If you’re in a bar, you could ask a bouncer or bartender for help. Sometimes you may need to call the police.
The Three D’s of Sexual Assault and the Green-Dot Intervention Program
The three D’s of sexual assault are part of a national initiative called the Green Dot Intervention Program, as explained in the Fighting Violence Via Green Dot on the University of Nevada,
Las Vegas (UNLV) News Center. The program is intended to raise awareness and increase campus safety “by stamping out stalking, domestic abuse, bullying, and other types of interpersonal violence.”
These strategies are not only for college students. The program has been implemented in high schools and in branches of the United States military.
The three D’s are often presented in programs to prevent workplace violence. Ultimately, the three D’s can be implemented by bystanders in any community.
The Fourth and Fifth D’s of Sexual Assault
Some models expand beyond the three D’s of sexual assault, adding the fourth and fifth D’s of “document” and “delay.” The Utah State University’s Sexual Respect “Upstanding” program is one. These strategies do not necessarily prevent the attack, but can help those affected get justice.
You can document the event by taking photos, videos, or notes about what is happening. Documenting should not take the place of getting help.
Protecting the target is the top priority. Of course, footage should only be shared with law enforcement, never posted on social media or shared through other digital means.
The delay strategy involves talking to the targeted person after the incident to offer support and help them find the resources they need to recover. No one should have to survive a sexual assault on their own.
Handling Sexual Violence With “CARE”
The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) promotes similar strategies through its Stop Sexual Violence: Step in with CARE initiative. The CARE acronym stands for:
- Create a distraction
- Ask directly
- Rally others
- Extend support
Bystanders are encouraged to be alert, noticing incidents of harassment or if someone is in a “risky situation,” and to “recognize warning signs of an impending assault.” RAINN also reminds bystanders to act, but without putting their own safety at risk.
Other Actions to Take After a Sexual Assault
Those who commit sexual assault must be held accountable. Report the incident to the relevant authorities and law enforcement. Sometimes, perpetrators face justice through the criminal justice system. The Nevada government offers important information about the rights of survivors of sexual assault.
Survivors may also have grounds for a personal injury case. If you or someone you care about needs a personal injury lawyer, connect with our compassionate team for support and a free case review.
We know how to investigate sexual assaults and gather the evidence needed to hold aggressors accountable for paying you compensation.
When Attackers Are Not the Only Ones to Blame
Sexual assaults can happen anywhere. While the aggressor deserves punishment, other negligent parties may also have contributed to the attack.
College campuses must have security measures in place to protect students. For example, parking lots must be well-lit. Security patrols need to be visible and present.
An attack may have only been possible because of inadequate security protocols. In these situations, survivors may have grounds to hold property owners or supervisors accountable for their role in indirectly facilitating the attack.
An experienced attorney knows the evidence needed to prove premises liability. The goal is to get survivors justice from the parties whose acts of violence or negligence caused them harm.
We Can Help You After a Sexual Assault
Knowing the three D’s of sexual assault can support your effort to prevent an attack, but if you experience a sexual assault, we can help you get justice.
The team at H&P Law will fight to hold the offender responsible for paying you compensation for the harm they have caused you. Throughout that process, we will offer compassionate support as you move toward recovery.
