Unfortunately, sometimes our thoughts about the situation or actions of others around us can influence our decision to intervene, deterring us from taking action. We can overcome this bystander effect to progress through each of the five stages of bystander intervention. Check-out the solutions to common bystander obstacles in the table below.
|
Bystander intervention strategies |
Questions we ask ourselves |
Obstacles |
Intervention Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Notice when a situation can lead to danger |
“What’s going on?” |
|
Keep an eye out for your friends. They are counting on your help. |
|
Identify when it’s appropriate to intervene |
“Is this a big deal?” |
|
There’s nothing wrong with just checking-in to make sure. |
|
Recognize personal responsibility for intervening |
“Do I need to do something?” |
|
What if that was your loved one? Wouldn’t you want someone to help them? |
|
Know how to intervene |
“Can I get involved?” |
|
Stay safe. Create a distraction. Get others to help. |
|
Take action to intervene |
“Will I intervene?” |
|
Try a distraction or delegate other to help so it is less obvious you are intervening. |