Bystander Intervention

Program Overview

Bystander Intervention is a prevention training designed to empower individuals to recognize potentially harmful situations and take safe, effective action before harm occurs. The program focuses on sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention by building awareness, confidence, and practical intervention skills.

This training emphasizes that preventing harm is a shared responsibility and that bystanders often notice concerning behavior before those directly involved or in positions of authority. Bystander Intervention provides participants with concrete tools to intervene in ways that prioritize safety, respect, and accountability.

Developed by Our Voice, this training is grounded in trauma informed and prevention focused practices and is adaptable for a wide range of community and organizational settings.

Who This Training Is For

Bystander Intervention is designed for:

Community members
Organizations and nonprofits
Workplace and volunteer teams
Colleges and universities
Youth serving spaces

Age appropriate versions of this training are available for high school and college audiences, with adaptations possible for middle school groups. Content is tailored to meet the needs of the audience and setting.

What the Training Covers

Bystander Intervention provides a comprehensive introduction to recognizing risk and responding safely to prevent harm.

Participants learn about:

What sexual harassment and sexual violence are
How harassment and violence can escalate over time
The role of bystanders in prevention
Common barriers that prevent people from intervening
How to assess situations for safety
The 5 D’s of Bystander Intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, and Document
How to intervene without escalating harm
How to support someone who discloses harassment or violence
The difference between teasing, bullying, flirting, and harassment

The training uses realistic scenarios to help participants apply strategies in situations they may encounter in their daily lives.

Why This Training Matters

Many incidents of sexual harassment and violence occur in the presence of others. However, uncertainty, fear of getting involved, or lack of knowledge can prevent bystanders from taking action.

When community members are equipped with intervention skills, harmful behavior is more likely to be interrupted and survivors are more likely to feel supported. Bystander Intervention helps shift culture from passive observation to collective care and accountability.

This training supports safer environments by encouraging people to look out for one another and take responsibility for preventing harm.

How the Training Works

Bystander Intervention is delivered as an interactive, discussion based training that encourages participation and reflection. The session combines education with hands on practice to build confidence and skill.

Training elements include facilitated discussion, scenario based learning, roleplay, and group reflection. Participants are encouraged to consider multiple intervention options and choose strategies that feel safe and realistic.

The training can be delivered virtually or in person and adapted to fit different group sizes, time frames, and settings.