Stepping in when you see harm

All members of our university community have a role to play in creating a culture of respect and helping to change unacceptable behaviour.

This can include acts of gender-based violence, harassment, prejudice, discrimination or any behaviour that compromises safety, dignity or wellbeing.

Being an ethical bystander is one of the ways you can help shape our uni culture to create a community where everyone is welcome and safe.

Small Actions, Big Difference

Stepping in as a bystander, or supporting someone after the fact, has powerful ripple effects.

In difficult situations we often assume that someone else will do something. But if we all assume someone else will step in, then nothing happens. We can all try and act on our values in a way that is safe and appropriate and has the support of others – and not leave it to someone else.

Additionally, if you are in a relative position of power, not intervening when you should could send a message that the behaviour is accepted.

But not every moment is clear-cut. Sometimes, someone crosses a line and you don’t know whether (or how) to step in.  Whether it’s when jokes are hurtful, when comments turn creepy or a mate is making unwanted advances at the pub, stepping in as a bystander isn’t always easy.

The 5Ds of bystander intervention are a helpful tool you can use to support someone who’s being harmed, emphasise that harassment is not okay, and demonstrate to people in your life that they have the power to make their community safer.

The podcast episode below, from Teach Us Consent unpacks how to speak up and how even small actions can make a big difference.

The 5Ds of Bystander Intervention

The 5Ds of bystander intervention provide a framework for acting when you see someone at risk. They are designed to be safe and not to escalate situations.

Direct (speak up)

Actions that directly address an issue (either physically or verbally) at the time of the incident. This might include talking to the people involved, removing someone from the situation or checking in about what support they need. Consider and prioritise your safety before directly intervening in a harmful situation.

Examples include saying things like:

• "That joke wasn't cool."
• Using humor: "Read the room, mate."
• Asking questions: "How would you feel if somebody said that about someone you loved?"

Distract (change subject, create a diversion)

Distraction can help us defuse and de-escalate situations. It might involve redirecting a harmful conversation and changing the subject to a safer topic or distracting an abuser. This can make the situation better and can still have a significant positive impact on the person being targeted even if it does not resolve the core issue.

Examples include saying things like:

• Creating distance: "Let's head somewhere else."

Delegate (get help)

Delegate is when you ask for assistance from a third party to effectively de-escalate or address a harmful situation. It might mean assessing risk and getting help from others such as sober representatives at an event, security staff or police.

Delay (check in later)

It is not always possible to safely intervene in the moment. However, you can still take action afterwards. Sending messages of support to an impacted person or encouraging accountability to the person who caused harm are examples of delayed intervention. You could also notify someone else, such as a member of university staff.

Examples include saying things like:

• Check in privately: "Hey, you're better than that."
• Support the harmed or offended person: "Are you okay?"
• Talk one-on-one later: "What was going on earlier?"

Document

Documenting the incident (where it is safe to do so) is useful in case further action is required to address an incident. This might include taking a photo or video or writing down what happened. Afterwards, ask the targeted person what they would like to do with the documentation. Never post or share a photo or video of an incident without the consent of the person being harmed. Putting a video or picture online can expose the people being recorded to harassment, doxing (i.e. posting personal information online) or other continued harm.