Bystander Intervention

What Is Bystander Intervention?

Bystander Intervention Is A Prevention Strategy That Involves A Bystander Actively Interventing When They Witness Potentially Harmful Or Harmful Situations Occurring.

It Is Choosing To Take Action When You See Behavior That Puts Others At Risk For Violence, Victimization, Or Perpetration.

Bystander Intervention Can Include:

  1. Speaking Out Against Sexual Misconduct Myths;
  2. Speaking Out Against Sex Discrimination, Sexual And Gender Harassment, Sexual Violence;
  3. Supporting Individuals Who Experience Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, And Sexual Violence;
  4. Intervening When Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment And Sexual Violence Is Occurring.

Any Bystander Has The Ability To Actively Help Prevent Harmful Events Directed Towards Another From Occurring By Employing The Four (4) D’s Approach One Or More Of The Four (4) D’s Strategies Can Be Used When Confronted With Problematic Situations:

  1. Distract – Distract One Or More Of The People Involved With The Goal Of Interrupting The Behavior (I.e. Change The Subject, Diffuse Situation);
  2. Delegate – Report The Incident To People Who Can Intervene (I.e. Calling Security/police Or Campus Officials);
  3. Direct – Directly Confront The Harasser And Emphasize That The Behavior Is Not Okay (Make Sure It Is Safe Before Using This Strategy);
  4. Delay – Follow Up With The Person Who Was Harmed And Assist Them With Getting Help If Needed.

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