Bystander Intervention: Be the Change You Want to See

Bystander Intervention: Be the Change You Want to See

Witnessing harassment or discrimination can be a gut-wrenching experience. Often, the urge to intervene battles with fear or uncertainty about the best course of action. Thankfully, research offers a powerful toolkit for bystanders to step up and make a positive difference.

Recent studies have shed light on the effectiveness of bystander intervention strategies. A meta-analysis featured in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence in 2022 revealed that bystander interventions have the potential to significantly decrease incidents of harassment. The analysis highlighted the importance of choosing the right approach based on the situation.

Here's a breakdown of key strategies and how to implement them safely:
The 5 Ds of Bystander Intervention:

• Direct: This involves confronting the harasser directly. While effective, it requires careful consideration. Ensure your safety and assess the situation. Use assertive language, clearly stating that the behavior is unacceptable. For example, "Excuse me, but that comment was inappropriate."
• Distract: This approach aims to subtly de-escalate the situation. Feign confusion and ask the target a question, creating an interruption. Pretend to know the target and greet them enthusiastically, diverting attention. The key is to break the interaction without directly addressing the harassment.
• Delegate: When intervening directly feels unsafe, seek help from someone in a position of authority. In a workplace setting, this could be a supervisor or HR representative. On public transportation, involve security personnel or fellow passengers.
• Document: If safe to do so, discreetly document the incident. This can be done by taking notes or recording audio/video (with the target's permission). Documentation can be crucial evidence for reporting purposes.
• Delay: Even if you don't intervene at the moment, you can still offer support to the target afterward. Approach them privately, express your concerns, and offer help. Ask if they'd like you to report the incident or simply need someone to talk to.

 Remember:

• Safety First: Your safety is paramount. Don't put yourself in harm's way. If a situation feels dangerous, delegate or document and report later.
• Focus on the Target: When intervening, prioritize the well-being of the person being harassed. Offer support and let them know they're not alone.
• Be Clear and Concise: If confronting the harasser, use clear, assertive language. State your objection to the behavior and avoid getting drawn into an argument.
• Trust Your Gut Feelings: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't be afraid to walk away or delegate if the situation feels uncomfortable.
• Empower Others: Talk openly about bystander intervention with friends, family, and colleagues. Spreading awareness empowers others to take action as well.

 Conclusion

Bystander intervention training programs are becoming increasingly common in workplaces and educational institutions. These programs give individuals the skills and confidence to intervene effectively. Research by Traliant, a company specializing in workplace training, suggests that bystander intervention training can significantly increase the likelihood of employees intervening when they witness harassment.

Ultimately, bystander intervention is about creating a culture of respect and inclusion. When we witness harassment or discrimination, our silence can be deafening. By taking action, we have the opportunity to assert firmly that such conduct will not be accepted and will face consequences. Remember, even a small intervention can make a big difference in someone's life. Be the change you want to see in the world, and empower others to do the same.