A.C.T. for Violence Prevention: Ask, Create, Talk

Preventing violence and protecting others is a shared responsibility. Bystanders play a vital role in interrupting harmful behaviors before they escalate, even when those behaviors seem subtle. By stepping in, we can collectively prevent harm and foster a safer community at Carolina.
The One Act Model
One Act focuses on three different intervention strategies under the A.C.T. acronym:
A – Ask for Help
If you don’t know what to do, reach out to someone who can help, whether it’s a friend, authority figure, or law enforcement.
C – Create a Distraction
In situations where direct confrontation is unsafe, create a diversion to help the person at risk escape the situation.
T – Talk Directly
If it’s safe to do so, calmly confront the person causing harm, making it clear that their behavior is unacceptable.
Awareness and Education
This model breaks the process of intervention into manageable actions. Whether you choose to ask for help, create a distraction, or talk directly to the person causing harm, taking action is key. By doing so, you contribute to a safer and more supportive environment where sexual violence and harassment are not tolerated.
Education is one of the most effective tools for violence prevention. Through training and increased awareness of resources, communities are better prepared to take meaningful action.
Training programs can teach individuals how to identify warning signs and safely intervene.
- Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS) offers outreach opportunities and trainings. You can request a training for your organization on bystander intervention.
- Empower UNC: Responding to Disclosures of GBV (gender-based violence) has resources for strategies and information on how to respond to matters of sexual violence, interpersonal violence, stalking, and other sexual and gender-based harassment.
Knowing about available resources at Carolina can help when someone might share a concerning experience with you, listen genuinely and validate their feelings.
- Gender Violence Service Coordinators provide support for individuals to discuss experiences and direct or indirect impacts of violence and harassment.
- Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office and UNC Police offer options for safety planning, reporting, and other supportive measures.
- Safe at UNC offers more information about support and services and reporting options.
By stepping up as a bystander, fostering inclusivity, and supporting educational efforts, we can create an environment where everyone feels safe and respected. Together, we can prevent violence before it starts.