Bystander Intervention
While some predators attack their target when no one else is around, others attack despite being surrounded by witnesses. This is often done by those who believe that bystanders will not dare interfere. Unfortunately, this conclusion is a reality. The bystander effect refers to situations in which bystanders witness (nonviolent or violent) harm being done to another person, but do nothing to help the target or stop the perpetrator. Many factors can affect a bystander’s reaction to a harmful situation: this can range from the type and severity of the offense to the target (e.g., verbal harassment vs. physical assault) or the environment in which the situation is unfolding (e.g., crowded party vs. empty park). Bystanders may not intervene when witnessing harassment or abuse of a target for many different reasons:
Fear of being targeted by the perpetrator
Fear of embarrassment (especially if other bystanders are present)
Believe that nothing can be done to help
Believe that other bystanders will eventually help
Believe that it’s none of their business (especially if the target and the perpetrator appear to be non-strangers such as a couple or a parent and child)
Assume the situation is not as serious because others are not alarmed
Although these reasons seem valid (especially if one fears for their life and believe they are ill-equipped to handle the perpetrator), doing nothing still harms the target. Bystander intervention can help de-escalate or stop the situation completely. Granted that there are different circumstances for different situations, what’s important is that if you witness something, use your judgment, and if it is physically safe for you to do so, intervene with the following strategies:
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Delay can be a strategy for two instances: before a situation escalates or after.
BEFORE: If you notice a situation but are unsure or unable to intervene at the moment, you can monitor then intervene if it escalates (e.g., You see someone being berated but not physically harmed in a crowded train). Some situations can look suspicious at first but end up being harmless—it is still better to pay attention at the beginning in case it does escalate.
AFTER: Sometimes a situation ends before you are able to act, and the perpetrator leaves. If it is safe to do so, you can approach the affected person and offer assistance.
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If you feel that the direct approach might cause more harm to you or the target, you can change the focus and tone of the situation by approaching the perpetrator or the target with a question or a comment unrelated to the situation. If the perpetrator engages with you instead, this takes attention off the target and may give them the opportunity to leave.
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Some situations may be beyond your skill or capacity to handle and that’s alright: you can still do something without directly interacting with the perpetrator by seeking help from those who can. Help can range from alerting emergency services (e.g., security or police) or someone in a position of power (e.g., boss, teacher, older relative). If you must leave to call for help, and others are around, get the help of another bystander to stay with the affected person until help arrives.
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If someone is already helping the target, documenting the situation (e.g. voice/video recording) can be used as evidence for the target should they wish to report the incident.
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Sometimes, when bystanders directly insert themselves to a problematic situation, this can prevent it from starting or escalating. One way to do this is to say something to one or both parties, which can be done directly (e.g., telling the perpetrator to stop) or indirectly (e.g., asking the target if they’re ok or explaining to both how the situation is causing you concern).
If there are other bystanders around, rally the support of some by asking for their help in voicing against the situation (e.g., “Let’s approach them together.”)
Note that situations can change as you intervene, and you may need to mix or change your approach. Your goal is to prioritize your safety and the safety of the target while minimizing the potentiality for escalating the situation. Furthermore, if you intervene in a potential situation (e.g., sitting with a girl at a bus stop who is being leered at by a stranger) and the would-be predator sees that their target is protected, this may prevent a situation from escalating completely.
“Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.
Sometimes we must interfere.”
E L I E W I E S E L
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• American Psychological Association. “Bystander Intervention Tip Sheet.” June 2022.
• Cristall, Jonathan. “What They Don’t Teach Teens: Life Safety Skills for Teens and the Adults Who Care for Them.” Quill Driver Books. 2020.
• Government of Canada. “Bystander Intervention Strategies (5D).” Training and Educational Matericls. Oct 2022.
• York Morris, Susan. “Bystander Effect: What It Is and How to Prevent It.” Healthline. Dec 2016.
