Scenario: The Unwelcomed Visitor
This scenario may contain explicit language and references to sexual situations, including sexual violence which may be emotionally activating for some people. If you need support, you can contact the Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC) at 1-844-750-1648 (24/7/365) or have access to services for Canadian Armed Forces members and Defence Team employees.
Group Size: 4-15
Scenario
You are on course for a couple months and share a room with someone. One night after you’ve gone to bed you are awakened by the opening of the door. Your roommate has returned after a night out. The room is completely dark, but you clearly hear them say to the other person, “No, please to back to your room”. The unwelcome visitor then tries to kiss your roommate and press past them into the room. Your roommate is having a difficult time holding them back.
Categories
- Principles: Respect the Dignity of all Persons, Serve Canada before Self, Obey and Support Lawful Authority
- Values: Integrity, Courage
- Cultural themes: Service, Identity, Leadership, Teamwork
- Misconduct types: Sexual Misconduct
- GBA Plus themes: Not Specific
- Audience: Defence Team
Facilitator’s Guide
Learning Objectives
- Recognize potential incidents of Sexual Misconduct.
- Discuss bystander intervention strategies.
Facilitation Questions
- What’s happening here? What is/are the potential problem(s)?
- It is late and the visitor seems to want to enter your private space.
- Your roommate seems uncomfortable and requires support.
- The potential for harm exists against your roommate and yourself.
- Are there risks in this situation? If there are risks, what are they. If not, why?
- Risks for self (assault) – the situation may escalate into a physical confrontation.
- Risks for your roommate (sexual misconduct) – should the visitor continue with their advances on your roommate.
- Risks for the unwelcomed visitor (long term social repercussions) – labels attached to the persons such as “creep” or “promiscuous”, or even just “dramatic”.
- Would you intervene? (Would your response be different based on gender?) If you intervene, what would you do? If not, why?
- The immediate situation calls for cessation of the offending activity for the protection of all three parties involved. The awakened roommate can make the call to intervene in this situation. There are a number of options available (based on the Bystander Intervention Strategies (5D)).