What is being a bystander? You are a bystander when you are watching a situation happening, and do not intervene. If you are a bystander, you can choose to become an active bystander to intervene into the situation.
Direct. Distract. Delegate.
Use humor, make sure everyone has a safe way to get home, check in via texts, facial check ins, establish cues between friends. Swoop in on the dance floor. Start singing happy birthday. If you don’t feel comfortable doing something yourself, get a bartender, a bouncer, someone else who will be in a position to intervene. Calling 9-1-1 is always an option when uncertain what to do.
It is not easy to step in, even if your heart says it is the right thing. Some bystanders might think: “I don’t know what to do or what to say,” “I don’t want to cause a scene,” “It’s not my business,” “I don’t want my friend to be mad at me,” “I’m sure someone else will step in.” It is fine to have these thoughts but realize your actions -or lack of actions- may have a big impact. Bystanders have the opportunity to prevent crimes like sexual assault from occurring.Being a positive, active bystander can change the outcomes of crimes. Stepping in on the dance floor to get in between your very drunk friend while some strange guy dances on her is being an active bystander. When you see a man leading a drunk woman out of the bar, and they did not come together, jump in-between them, or notify the bouncer or bartender. Being a positive, active bystander can help the world become a safer.
from:
Gaffke, Michaela. “Bystander Intervention Month.” Wellness, 27 Apr. 2018, blogs.winona.edu/wellness/bystander-intervention-month/.
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