I witnessed transgressive behavior

What you can do as a bystander

What can you do if you witness unwanted behavior directed at someone else? A bystander who takes action can make a big difference- stopping the behavior and giving the person affected the feeling that they're not alone. The 5 D's of bystander intervention offer a practical framework for what you can do.

Direct

Address the person directly. This doesn't have to be confrontational. A brief, calm remark can already be enough to interrupt the behavior. "Hey, let's leave it at that" or "I don't think that's okay" are examples of direct interventions. Only do this if you feel safe doing so.

Distract

Create a distraction without directly naming the incident. Interrupt the moment with an innocent question or action: ask the person for something, make a comment about something else, or create an excuse to get the target of the behavior out of the situation. This is a more subtle approach that requires less confrontation.

Delegate

Bring someone else in. Go to a manager, production lead, or another person with more authority or a safer position than you. If you're too vulnerable to intervene yourself, this is a powerful way to still take action without putting yourself at risk.

Delay

If intervening in the moment isn't possible or safe, reach out afterwards to the person who was the target. Ask how they're doing, mention what you saw, and ask if there's anything you can do. Sometimes offering support afterward is the most valuable thing you can do.

Document

Write down what you saw, if the situation allows it. For example, make a note of what happened: date, time, location, exactly what was said or done, and who was present. This can later be of great value if the person who experienced it decides to do something about it, make a report, or seek advice.