Honor in Every Season
Honor Doesn’t Take Time Off
Honor is a value carried through every season—from holiday gatherings to liberty periods. One of the strongest demonstrations of honor is taking action to prevent sexual assault. Intervening when something feels wrong takes courage and integrity.
Honor Means Putting Safety First
In social settings—especially during holidays or off-duty time—looking out for one another helps keep environments safe. Whether at a unit BBQ, a friend’s house, or a seasonal event, staying alert and acting early can protect those who may be at risk.
The 3 Ds of Bystander Intervention
These simple strategies can guide safe and effective action:
- Direct: Address harmful behavior directly and call it out.
- Distract: Create a distraction to interrupt or redirect the situation.
- Delegate: Bring in someone positioned to help, such as a party host, bartender, or fellow Marine.
Stepping Up with Honor
Acting early can prevent situations from escalating. Warning signs may include:
- Inappropriate or unwanted comments.
- Attempts to isolate someone.
- Excessive pressure to drink.
- Focusing attention on someone already impaired.
Ways to Step in Include:
- Assisting someone who may be targeted.
- Stopping peers or others from crossing boundaries.
- Interrupting concerning behavior before it escalates.
Real-World Examples
- Direct: A clear statement such as “That’s not OK—back off.”
- Distract: Starting a new conversation or creating a diversion to shift attention.
- Delegate: Informing a host, supervisor, or trusted authority when something feels off.
On duty or off, honor includes protecting the people within the community. Stepping up—early and confidently—helps create a safer environment for all.
Need support or want to get involved? Visit www.usmc-mccs.org/SAPR, or contact your local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate today.