How to be an active bystander: 5Ds of intervention

In this blog, Rebecca Cant, Brook’s Resource Development Coordinator who developed our new bystander intervention course for students, explains the importance of being an active bystander who stands up and steps in. Learn how you can intervene if you witness something inappropriate or harmful.

What is Bystander Intervention?

Bystander intervention is when someone who witnesses an event steps in to stop harm before it happens. Unlike a passive bystander who takes no action, an active bystander chooses to challenge inappropriate or threatening behaviour.

Here’s how one active bystander can help change the culture around them:

[Video taken from Brook’s bystander intervention course for universities]

How to be an active bystander

We all have the power to make a difference as bystanders. You don’t have to be confrontational, and intervening should never put you in danger. Small actions can go a long way to stop harm and help change culture.

The bystander effect is when people assume someone else will intervene, leading to inaction. Avoid being a passive bystander by using the 5Ds of intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, and Disapprove.

At Brook, we use ‘Disapprove’ as the fifth intervention option rather than ‘Document’ as we know from our work with young people that peer disapproval is a powerful tool that can be more effective than recording what happened.

Let’s explore the 5Ds more closely…

1 . Direct

‘Direct’ is the most active form of bystander intervention and is about directly addressing the people involved. It works best among friends or people you know as they’re more likely to listen to you and care about your opinion of them.

What might a direct intervention look like?

• Saying “That’s not okay.”
• Telling them to “Leave them alone.”

Direct interventions may not work well with strangers as they could redirect hostility toward you. If you feel unsafe, consider one of the other 4Ds instead.

2 . Distract

‘Distract’ involves interrupting the harassment or harm to defuse tension. By distracting attention, you can help stop harm in its tracks.

What might a ‘distract’ intervention look like?

• Asking for the time
• Asking for directions.
• Starting a conversation with the person being harassed.

3 . Delegate

‘Delegate’ involves asking someone else to help. You might choose to delegate if you don’t feel comfortable intervening alone.

What might a ‘delegate’ intervention look like?

• Asking someone with more authority to intervene e.g. bar staff, teacher, bus driver, security guard or the police if you’re worried someone is in immediate danger.
• Asking someone nearby to support you to intervene.

4 . Delay

‘Delay’ means waiting for the situation to pass and offering support to the person that has experienced harassment or harm. It doesn’t mean ignoring what happened, it’s offering help, support or kindness to someone who has been through an unpleasant experience.

What might a delay intervention look like?

• Asking if the person is okay.
• Asking if they need any help.
• Letting them know you saw what happened and it wasn’t okay.

5 . Disapprove

‘Disapprove’ involves sending a strong signal that behaviour is unacceptable. As with ‘direct’ it works best with people you know as your opinion of them matters to them.

What might a disapprove intervention look like?

• Shaking your head.
• Giving a disapproving look.
• Walking away.
• Not joining in with laughter.

Free bystander poster

Download the poster

Challenge the bystander effect

Being an active bystander can feel daunting. You might worry about how people will respond, lack confidence or think someone else will intervene, also known as the bystander effect. But as you’ve been here with the 5Ds, even small actions can have a big impact.

Everyone has the power to create a step-in culture where harassment is challenged.  

And always remember the golden rule of bystander intervention – only intervene if it’s safe for you to do so.