What To Do?

THE Mentors in Violence Program (MVP) started at Northeastern University in Boston to help male student-athletes get involved in stopping rape, battering, and sexual harassment. In the workshops an innovative MVP Playbook is used which places athletes in possible campus situations. Below is a excerpt from the Playbook.

SLAPSHOT: A teammate pushes and then slaps his girlfriend at a party. People are upset but don't do anything. He's not a close friend, but he is your teammate.

TRAIN OF THOUGHT: If nobody else is stepping in, why should I? . . . It could get ugly . . . He could turn on me . . . . Am I ready to get into a fight, if it comes to that? . . . What if he's got a weapon? . . . Besides, if the girlfriend didn't like that sort of treatment, wouldn't she already have broken up with him? . . . Is it any of my business? . . . But if I don't do something, I'm saying it's okay for a guy to abuse a woman . . . What should I do in this situation?

OPTIONS:

1. Nothing. It's none of my business.

2. Say something and/or get a bunch of people to contain the boyfriend, while others try to get the woman away from him.

3. Talk to the woman and let her know you are willing to help her.

4. When he calms down, either on the scene or later, talk to him about getting counseling to deal with his abusive behavior.

5. Report the incident to the coach or the athletic academic adviser.

6. Personal Option: _____________