Chelsea Hoag, Campus Carrier Assistant Photojournalism Editor

Amy Stockton and Lexi Vick from the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia used information from social and psychological studies to prove the phenomenon of “the bystander effect” in an event on Monday.

The bystander effect is the idea that people do not offer any means of help to victims of crimes when other people are present.

Stockton and Vick said the probability of one helping a victim is less likely when other people are around. It is often thought that, “someone else will help” or “it’s none of my business.”

Focusing on victims of sexual assault, they encouraged being aware of one’s surroundings and interfering at parties or bars when situations become wary. It may be difficult and uncomfortable at first, but it could save a potential victim from a life full of shame.

“Every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted,” Stockton said.

The perpetrator is usually a person the victim trusts, a family member or friend. Crime scenes are often the victim’s room or dorm.

Victims often suffer from mental illnesses after they have been sexually assaulted.