Active Bystander Intervention

The Bystander Effect

People are less likely to help someone in need when others are present. This is known as the Bystander Effect, and it occurs for two reasons:

1. Diffusion of responsibility – if others are present, people feel that others are responsible for intervening
2. Social influence – if no one is intervening that seems like the correct behaviour, so others do not intervene

This can give the impression that the harmful behaviour is condoned by others when often it is not. It can be difficult to be the first person to intervene, but once one person intervenes others usually do as well.

What else makes it hard to intervene?

• Safety concerns – for yourself and others, especially if you belong to a community that experiences discrimination
• Power dynamics – the person causing harm may be in a position of privilege or authority
• Fear – about doing it wrong, or making things worse
• Worry – that other negative consequences could happen due to your intervention (e.g. people are drinking underage or using drugs and you don’t want them to get in trouble)
• Social consequences – such as being seen as too sensitive or no fun
• Not knowing - is it your place or your business to intervene
• Lack of skills - not having the skills to know what to say or do

These are all valid concerns and reasons someone may not intervene. It is important to always put safety first. It is OK to do nothing in the moment or to leave a situation where you do not feel safe. Below are ways you can stay safe and still intervene as an active bystander.

Responses, or interventions, can be organized into 5 categories called the 5Ds.

The 5Ds of bystander intervention are various ways you can support someone who is being harassed, harmed, or made to feel uncomfortable. When you are choosing to intervene, it is important to consider your own safety and the safety of those around you. There is a difference between feeling uncomfortable and feeling unsafe, trust that you know how and when to keep yourself safe.

1. Distract

Distract is a non-direct, sometimes subtle, creative way to intervene. It is often safer than intervening directly and allows you to use your strengths. The aim is to derail and de-escalate the situation by interrupting it in ways such as, accidently, on purpose, spilling your drink, or causing a commotion.

If you see harm online, you can post happy pictures or videos to distract from the harmful messages or ask the person causing harm unrelated questions to waste their time. Do what you need to do to break the flow of potential harm or violence without referring to the harm directly.

2. Delegate

Delegate is when you ask for assistance or help from a third party, possibly from someone nearby or in a position of authority such as a store manager, bouncer, professor, or bus driver.  You can also work together, ask those around you if they are willing to help as there is comfort, safety, and strength in numbers. Online you can report the harmful post/comment to the social media platform.

You may also want to ask someone around you to intervene, “I don’t feel safe helping do you?” Our social location and privilege often determines how safe we feel; if you do not feel safe it is OK not to intervene in the moment, you can always use delay and check in later.

You can also check in with the person being harmed, possibly with a distraction, and ask if they would like you to call 911. It is important to remember though, not everyone feels safe with the intervention of law enforcement and your level of trust with the police may not be everyone’s level of trust.

3. Document

Documenting is making a record of the incident with video, audio, or pics, or taking notes or paying close attention. If someone else is intervening, go ahead and document. You could for example use your phone to take a video, but remember, ALWAYS ask the person being harmed what they would like to do with the video – do not post these without their consent as this is not being an effective and helpful bystander and could cause more harm.

If you are online, you could take a screen shot as harmful material may be lost if removed and you may want a record of it.

4. Direct

Directly responding to the harm is when you name it or confront the person causing harm. However, other Ds such as distract, delegate, document and delay can be just as, or sometimes more, effective.  Before you decide to respond directly, assess the situation, and ensure you are safe. Direct intervention may be risky and can escalate the situation or turn the harm towards you. If you feel safe you could say something such as, “That’s sexist, racist, transphobic …” or “Leave them alone.”

You can also look away, cross your arms, frown, raise your eyebrows – show your disapproval without saying anything. Try to remain calm and keep what you say clear and concise and then turn your attention to the person being harmed and check in to see if they are OK.

5. Delay

Delay can be very effective but sometimes does not get the respect it deserves. Checking in after the incident can prevent someone from blaming themselves, feeling alone, and even reduce trauma, and it can always be done in tandem with other Ds. You could say, “I’m sorry that happened to you” or “that was not your fault.” You can also message someone privately online or reach out through a text if you know them.

Sometimes the harm from no one doing or saying anything is worse than the initial harm done; checking in can alleviate some of this harm. There is no perfect or right response, however, studies show that having some kind of response, either in the moment or later, can reduce the trauma felt by the person facing harm.

Debrief

No matter how you intervened, if you intervened, if you experienced harm or were the person causing harm, talking over the situation with the appropriate person (e.g., friend, housemate, counsellor) can help you understand what happened, and help you decide how you could respond in a similar situation in the future. You may be left feeling overwhelmed, upset, scared, or confused, and it is important to acknowledge and talk through these feelings.

You may find yourself in the position of being harmed. There may or may not be bystanders around. It is possible to intervene on your own behalf.

Possible responses if you are the person being harmed

• Trust your instincts – if something does not feel right listen to your body and do not worry about being polite – walk away, run away, fight back
• Delegate – ask for help if people are around
• Document – pretend to be on your phone while taking a video
• Call a friend so you are not alone
• Set boundaries - “can you stay back 6 feet please?”
• Reclaim your space - say loudly, “Stop touching me!”
• Online – take screen shots, unfollow
• Debrief afterward with someone you trust
• Reach out to SVPRO or your community sexual assault support centre