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For those who shy away from conflict, encountering harassment or discrimination might seem simpler to evade or disregard, hoping the issue resolves itself or that another person will take action. However, whether it’s subtle racism or micro-aggressions among friends, public harassment of a stranger, or police violence during demonstrations, there are numerous chances for you, as an observer, to take a stand or intervene.
“Observers possess influence,” states Lani Shotlow-Rincon, a board member at Stop Street Harassment. “This influence can be harnessed to stop harassment, de-escalate situations as they unfold, and assist victims in recovering and healing from their experiences.”
Discover how to determine the right moment—and the best approach—to intervene.
Stay alert and aware
The initial step in determining whether and how to step into a conflict is to be mindful of your surroundings, explains Jenna Templeton, assistant director of health education at the University of Utah’s Center for Student Wellness. She emphasizes that effective intervention relies on our capacity and readiness to recognize potential dangers.
Ensure your safety comes first
Before taking action, evaluate the potential risks to your physical and emotional health. For instance, directly involving yourself in a violent confrontation where you might be injured is not recommended.
Likewise, steer clear of scenarios that could be emotionally triggering, unsafe, or overly draining—always prioritize your own well-being.
Take on the role of an engaged bystander
Shotlow-Rincon explains that directly intervening through both verbal and non-verbal cues can help de-escalate conflicts and condemn inappropriate actions. While there’s no universal solution for every scenario, there are fundamental strategies you can employ even without formal bystander training.
Inquire if assistance is desired or required. A straightforward “Can I help you?” shows the person being harassed that you’re aware of their situation and gives them the opportunity to express their needs.
Address the situation verbally without intensifying it. Provoking a bully often worsens the conflict. Focus on criticizing the behavior rather than attacking the person.
Divert, distract, or interrupt. As a bystander, you can shift attention away from the victim or challenge the normalization of harmful behavior. For instance, engage the harasser with a comment like “Why are you saying that?” to redirect their focus. Alternatively, offer supportive remarks to the person being targeted.
Follow up. Once the situation calms down, check in with the victim to see if they need further assistance. Shotlow-Rincon notes that simply recognizing their experience can make them feel more secure and less isolated.
Report if necessary. Not all incidents require police involvement (more on this later), but you can contact organizations like RAINN, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, or Stop Street Harassment for guidance. If you’re contemplating calling law enforcement, refer to this reporting guide for strategies.
Acknowledge your privilege
Both Shotlow-Rincon and Templeton emphasize that factors like race or gender influence every decision to intervene. For instance, as a white individual, you might use your privilege to support someone of color in a challenging situation.
However, possessing certain privileges doesn’t grant you the authority to determine the best response for someone facing harassment or victimization.
“Avoid adopting a savior complex,” Templeton advises. “Instead, communicate with those affected and ask how you can assist them.”
Lastly, remember that involving law enforcement or reporting harassment isn’t always the optimal or sole solution. Templeton encourages considering a wide range of support options and not assuming that police involvement is necessary. Personal and community-driven efforts can also play a crucial role in addressing harassment and ensuring accountability.
