Bystander Intervention Discussion Guide

What is a bystander?

A bystander is a person who observes some kind of unacceptable behavior, such as violence or abuse. A bystander is not directly involved with the event but has the opportunity to intervene, speak up, or do something about it.

What is bystander intervention?

Bystander intervention is when a person is equipped with knowledge and skills to help in a situation and decides to step in and assist. It also refers to when a person decides to voice their opinion about someone else’s language or behavior.

Being an active bystander means intervening in unacceptable situations to change the outcome or let the perpetrator know that his or her actions are inappropriate.

In what situations do active bystanders intervene?

Bystanders can intervene in situations in which they observe unacceptable behavior. This includes witnessing someone making a cruel remark, bullying witnessing violence or abuse, witnessing someone breaking the rules or the law, medical emergencies, etc…

What are the five steps to bystander intervention?

1. Notice the Event 2. Interpret the Problem3. Assume Personal Responsibility 4.Learn how to help

5. Do something

What are the three (4) D’s ?

Distract- create a distraction to diffuse the situation

Delegate-Get others involved who can assist

Direct-Speak up and or do something to stop what’s going on

Delay-Check in with the person to determine the need

Why does it matter?

If people who witness an unacceptable behavior step in, they can make a huge impact. They have the ability to stop a bad event from occurring, or to prevent it from getting worse. If they do nothing, they are allowing the perpetrator to get away with it.

What type of bystander are you?