Bystander Intervention

The Bystander Intervention Method is one of the most effective ways to address and prevent harassment and discrimination. With the proper knowledge, tools and motivation, bystanders can intervene and stop inappropriate behavior before it rises to the level of unlawful harassment. 

Ways to Intervene When Witnessing Harassment: 

1. Direct: Say something to the harasser if the situation is safe enough to speak up. Ex: “Hey! That’s not okay. Leave them alone.” Make sure you are always safe first before intervention. Then, speak to the target, ask them if they’re okay, and try to comfort them if needed. Being there in silence is also OKAY. Sometimes they just need someone next to them but don’t particularly want to talk about the situation at hand. Give them time. Don’t pressure them. 

2. Distract: Pretend to know the person and ask them a question or start a random conversation and ignore the harasser. Eventually, the harasser will be drowned out. 

3. Delegate: Find help or seek someone else to intervene if you don’t feel comfortable to do so. Find an authority figure or call 911. 

4. Document: Is the person already being helped? Are you yourself safe? Then you can start taking a video for proof. Try to be discreet and keep a fair distance away from the harasser so things don’t escalate. Then, share the video with the targeted person and let them decide what to do with the evidence. 

5. Delay: If things happen quickly and you can’t intervene then check in with the target immediately afterwards. Ex: a quick insult was made, a sudden grope, etc. 

Other Resources: 

• Right to Be - https://righttobe.org/ 

• SBCC Campus Safety - https://www.sbcc.edu/safety/index.php