A bystander is a person who observes a crime, impending crime, conflict, potentially violent or violent behavior, or conduct that is in violation of rules or policies of the University. Anyone witnessing harassment as a bystander is encouraged to report it. An employee that is a bystander to harassment is required to report it.
There are five standard methods of bystander intervention that can be used when someone witnesses harassment or discrimination and wants to help. These methods are often referred to as the “5 D’s.”
Direct
If a bystander feels safe, they can confront the harasser and name the behavior as inappropriate. When confronting harassment, physically assaulting an individual is never an appropriate response.
Distract
A bystander can interrupt the harassment by engaging with the individual being harassed and distracting them from the harassing behavior.
Delegate
A bystander who feels unsafe interrupting on their own can ask a third party to help intervene in the harassment.
Document
A bystander can record or take notes on the harassment incident to benefit a future investigation.
Delay
A bystander might check in with the person who has been harassed after the incident, see how they are feeling and let them know the behavior was not okay.