Get Educated

Creating a culture of respect begins with education. Through the information and tools offered here, you’ll have the opportunity to grow in awareness, develop confidence, and take meaningful action—whether in your own life or in support of someone else. By engaging with these resources, you are contributing to a community that values compassion, accountability, and the shared responsibility to care for one another.

Know the Signs. Know How to Help.

At Walsh University, we believe in looking out for one another. Bystander intervention means choosing to step in—safely and effectively—when you see a situation that doesn’t feel right. Whether it’s an uncomfortable comment, someone crossing a boundary, or a potentially harmful situation, your actions can make a difference.

Here’s how you can be an active bystander:

  • Notice what’s happening. Pay attention to situations that seem off or could escalate—especially at social events, in residence halls, or online. 
  • Assess for safety. If there’s an immediate threat, call Campus Safety (330.490.7474). Your safety matters too. 
  • Take action using the 3 D’s: 
    • Direct – Speak up or check in: “Hey, is everything okay here?”
    • Distract – Interrupt or change the subject: “Let’s go grab food.”
    • Delegate – Get help from a friend, RA, coach, or staff member. 

You don’t have to confront someone aggressively to make an impact—small actions can shift the moment and protect someone from harm.

Being a Cavalier means standing up for each other. You have the power to prevent violence and create a safer, more respectful campus community.

At Walsh University, we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and care. This belief is foundational to how we build and maintain relationships on campus—whether in friendships, dating, or romantic partnerships.

College is a time of personal growth and new experiences, and it’s important to understand what a healthy relationship looks like. Healthy relationships support your well-being, reflect your values, and help you thrive as a student and as a person.

Healthy relationships are rooted in mutual respect, open communication, trust, and support. In a healthy relationship, both individuals feel seen, safe, and free to be themselves without fear, pressure, or control.

Green Flags: Signs of a Healthy Relationship

  • You feel emotionally and physically safe and respected.
  • You can express your thoughts, feelings, and needs openly.
  • Boundaries are discussed and honored without guilt.
  • You are encouraged to grow in your faith, friendships, and goals.
  • Conflict is handled respectfully, without threats or manipulation.
  • Each person contributes to the relationship equally and values the other’s dignity.

Red Flags: Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

  • They try to control your decisions, social life, or online presence.
  • You feel afraid to speak up or worry about upsetting them.
  • They use guilt, pressure, or threats to get their way.
  • They insult, criticize, or make you feel small.
  • You feel isolated or cut off from friends and support systems.
  • Your boundaries are ignored or dismissed.

If something feels wrong, it probably is. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Recognizing unhealthy dynamics is a powerful first step, and there are resources at Walsh University to help you.

Get help. Reach out to find support, talk with someone, or connect with confidential resources. At Walsh, we are committed to fostering a campus culture where every relationship upholds the dignity of the person and contributes to the flourishing of the whole community.

If someone tells you they’ve been assaulted, it means they trust you. Your response can make a big difference in their healing process.

Here’s how you can support them:

  • Listen without judgment. Let them share as much or as little as they want. Avoid asking for details or questioning their actions.
  • Believe them. A simple “I’m so sorry this happened to you” can be incredibly powerful.
  • Offer support, not solutions. Instead of trying to “fix” it, ask: “How can I support you right now?” or “Would you like help finding resources?” Get help.
  • Respect their choices. Respect their privacy. They may or may not want to report. It’s important to honor their decisions and timing.
  • Know your limits. You’re not expected to have all the answers. Encourage them to connect with confidential support services on or off campus.

Your online life is an extension of your real life—and it's important to protect it. Unhealthy relationships, cyberstalking, impersonation (like deepfakes), and careless posts can put your safety and reputation at risk.

Here’s how to stay safe and smart online:

  • Check your privacy settings. Limit who can see your posts, location, and personal information on all platforms.
  • Think before you share. Avoid posting content that could be used against you, including personal routines, sensitive photos, or location tags.
  • Watch for red flags. If someone pressures you to share passwords, constantly tracks your activity, or uses your posts to control or manipulate you—it’s not healthy.
  • Be cautious with AI and deepfakes. If someone threatens to use or has used manipulated content of you, report it immediately and seek support.
  • Build your professional digital fingerprint. Employers often search social media—make sure your online presence reflects who you are and what you stand for.

Get help. If you’re feeling unsafe online or think your digital privacy has been violated, reach out. You’re not alone, and support is available.

Interested in bringing a Cavalier Safeguard Initiative guest speaker to your class, team, or organization? Complete our online form, and we’ll design a session to fit your needs.

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