What is the Bystander Effect?
The bystander effect, in the context of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), refers to the phenomenon where individuals witnessing or being aware of a potentially harmful or violent situation do not intervene or take action to help the victim. This phenomenon occurs due to diffusion of responsibility and social influence, leading individuals to believe that someone else will step in or that their intervention is unnecessary.
Examples of Bystander Effect
In cases of SGBV, the bystander effect can manifest in various ways:
- Non-Intervention: Bystanders may fail to intervene or report incidents of sexual violence when they observe them happening. They may assume that someone else will take action, or they may feel uncomfortable or unsure about how to respond.
- Victim Blaming: Bystanders may engage in victim-blaming attitudes, holding the survivor responsible for the assault instead of placing the blame on the perpetrator. This can contribute to a culture of silence for survivors and discourage bystanders from speaking up or supporting survivors.
- Inaction by Institutions: Institutions or organisations may also exhibit the bystander effect by not adequately addressing SGBV cases within their premises. This can occur due to a lack of policies, training, or the normalization of such incidents within the organization.
Victim blaming is added insult to injury
How to Curb Bystander Effect
See, say, act
Addressing this issue is crucial for creating a supportive and safe environment for survivors. Strategies to combat the bystander effect include:
- Education and Awareness: Providing education and raising awareness about the bystander effect, SGBV, and the role of bystanders in preventing and responding to incidents. This helps individuals understand the impact of their actions or inactions.
- Empowering Bystanders: Encouraging bystanders to take an active role in preventing and addressing SGBV. This can involve teaching assertiveness skills, bystander intervention techniques, and promoting a culture of accountability.
- Creating Safe Spaces: Establishing environments that promote safety, trust, and open communication, where individuals feel comfortable reporting incidents and seeking assistance without fear of retaliation or judgment.
- Policy Implementation: Developing and implementing institutional policies that clearly address SGBV, provide guidelines for bystander intervention, and emphasize zero-tolerance for such acts. This ensures that institutions take responsibility for creating a safe environment for all.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Working collaboratively with communities, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to address the bystander effect collectively. This allows for a more comprehensive and coordinated response to SGBV.
How to get help for survivors of SGBV
By actively challenging abuse and encouraging bystander intervention, individuals and communities can play a crucial role in preventing SGBV, supporting survivors, and fostering a culture of safety and respect.
How to safely intervene in Abuse Cases
Safely intervening in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is crucial to support survivors and prevent further harm. Here are some guidelines to consider when intervening:
- Ensure Personal Safety: Prioritise your own safety and well-being. Assess the situation and environment to determine if it’s safe for you to intervene directly. If there is immediate danger or you feel unsafe, it may be best to seek help from professionals or authorities.
- Assess Consent and Permission: Obtain consent and permission from the survivor before intervening. Respect their autonomy and decisions. If possible, communicate with the survivor discreetly to understand their needs and preferences for assistance.
- Create a Distraction: If intervening directly in a violent situation is not possible or safe, you can create a distraction to divert attention from the perpetrator and provide an opportunity for the survivor to escape or seek help. This could involve making noise, causing a commotion, or engaging the attention of others nearby.
- Enlist Support: If there are others present, approach them for assistance. Bystander intervention is more effective when multiple individuals work together. Coordinate with others to ensure a collective response to the situation.
- Call for Professional Help: If the situation is immediate or life-threatening, contact emergency services such as the police, ambulance, or local helpline numbers for SGBV. Report the incident and provide them with accurate information about the situation.
- Provide Emotional Support: Once the immediate danger has passed, offer support and reassurance to the survivor. Listen empathetically, validate their experience, and let them know that you believe them. Encourage them to seek medical attention, legal aid, or counselling, and offer to accompany them if they desire.
- Respect Confidentiality: Maintain the survivor’s privacy and confidentiality throughout the intervention process. Only share information with professionals or authorities if it is necessary for their safety or legal purposes.
- Document Relevant Details: If it is safe to do so, document any important details about the incident, including descriptions of the perpetrator, witnesses, or any evidence present. This information may be helpful for the survivor if they choose to pursue legal action.
- Self-Education and Training: Continuously educate yourself on SGBV, consent, trauma-informed care, and bystander intervention techniques. Attend workshops, seminars, or training programs that provide guidance on how to effectively and safely intervene in SGBV situations.
Remember, everyone’s safety is paramount, and intervening in SGBV cases can be complex. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable about intervening directly, seek professional help or guidance from organizations specializing in SGBV. They can provide expert advice and support throughout the process.
If you would like to report any case of SGBV, kindly fill out our intake form with information about the case.
