Be an Active Bystander 

We can all be bystanders. Every day events unfold around us. At some point, we will register someone in an uncomfortable situation. When this happens, we will decide to do or say something (and become an active bystander), or to simply let it go (and remain a passive bystander). 

When we intervene, we signal to the perpetrator that their behaviour is unacceptable. If such messages are constantly reinforced within our community, we can shift the boundaries of what is considered acceptable and problem behaviour can be stopped. 

How to be an Active Bystander

Sometimes, a situation just does not feel right. It might be comments made by a collegue that you feel are inappropriate or you spot someone being harassed at a work event. 

Being an active bystander means being aware of when someone’s behaviour is inappropriate or threatening and choosing to challenge it. If you do not feel comfortable doing this directly, then get someone to help you such as a friend or someone in authority. 

Before stepping in, try the ABC approach

Assess for safety: If you see someone in trouble, ask yourself if you can help safely in any way. Remember, your personal safety is a priority – never put yourself at risk. 

Be in a group: It’s safer to call out behaviour or intervene in a group. If this is not an option, report it to others who can act. 

Care for the victim. Talk to the person who you think may need help. Ask them if they are OK. 

How you can intervene safely

When it comes to intervening safely, remember the four Ds – direct, distract, delegate, delay. 

• Direct action 
  Call out negative behaviour, tell the person to stop or ask the victim if they are OK. Do this as a group if you can. Be polite. Don’t aggravate the situation – remain calm and state why something has offended you. Stick to exactly what has happened, don’t exaggerate. 
• Distract 
  Interrupt, start a conversation with the perpetrator to allow their potential target to move away or have friends intervene. Or come up with an idea to get the victim out of the situation – tell them they need to take a call, or you need to speak to them; any excuse to get them away to safety. Alternatively, try distracting, or redirecting the situation. 
• Delegate 
  If you are too embarrassed or shy to speak out, or you don’t feel safe to do so, get someone else to step in. Any decent venue has a zero tolerance policy on harassment, so the staff there will act. 
• Delay 
  If the situation is too dangerous to challenge then and there (such as there is the threat of violence or you are outnumbered) just walk away. Wait for the situation to pass then ask the victim later if they are OK. Or report it when it’s safe to do so – it’s never too late to act. 

For more information and training on how to be an Active Bystander, attend one of our “Being an Active Bystander” sessions.