Portsmouth Science Cafe: Superman or Clark Kent: What kind of bystander are you?

Let’s talk about interpersonal violence in communities. How it can be prevented? How can we encourage community members to step in and take action? Join the conversation with UNH faculty members Sharyn Potter and Victoria Banyard as they explore the scope of this problem and what things make it easier or harder for people to get involved in helping others.

Potter is an associate professor in the department of sociology at UNH and co-director as well as the co-founder of Prevention Innovations, Research and Practices for Ending Violence Against Women on Campus, a research and development unit at the University of New Hampshire. Potter co-leads the development, dissemination and evaluation and of the Know Your Power® bystander social marketing campaign that raises awareness regarding the problems of sexual and relationship violence and stalking. She is currently the primary investigator of a research study identified in the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault.

Banyard is a professor in the department of psychology at UNH. She conducts research on the long-term mental health consequences of interpersonal violence including resilience in survivors. She also conducts research on community approaches to prevention of interpersonal violence. She is part of a research team that has received funding from the NIJ, DOJ and CDC.

Hosted by UNH faculty member Cameron Wake at the Portsmouth Brewery’s Jimmy LaPanza Lounge, the Portsmouth Science Café provides a unique opportunity for Seacoast residents to feed their minds with contemporary science in the relaxed atmosphere of a pub.

The discussions, which are free and open to all, run from 6-8 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. for food and drinks.