If a Friend is Being Hazed

If you are concerned that someone you know is being hazed, you can make a difference by helping that person.

The demands of hazing often isolate students from their friends who are not in the group. By having a friend who is outside of the group provide support, the person who is hazed can think more clearly about what options are available. See If You Are Hazed for insights into the experience of someone who is hazed.

How to Talk About Your Concern

• Tell the person that you are concerned.
• Describe what you have observed (e.g., lack of sleep, changes in your friend’s mood, energy level, ability to do work).
• Ask your friend what he or she has had to do as part of joining the group.
• If the person describes being hazed, underscore that hazing is wrong and that he or she doesn’t have to go along with it.
• If you suspect that your friend is being hazed but he or she won’t say so, ask if there are things going on that he or she isn’t supposed to talk about. If that is the case, it’s very likely that the person is being hazed.
• Let your friend know that it’s okay to withdraw from an organization at any point.
• Offer to support the person and ask how you can be helpful.
• Let your friend know what resources are available for support and reporting.

If you are concerned about someone who you suspect is being hazed, you can also talk to university staff members for advice about how to support. You can also make a report to a university staff member about your concern.

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