If you are witnessing someone being harassed, no matter who you are and what identity you hold, there is always something you can do.

It can be hard to think about how to help/react/intervene when you are witnessing harassment. And oppressive systems don’t want us to know restorative abolitionist practices. Fortunately, there are resources to help us learn.

Bystander intervention can be learned. Right to Be offers such trainings and frames bystander intervention strategies as the 5Ds:

DISTRACT

DELAY

DOCUMENT

DELEGATE

DIRECT

DISTRACT

You can derail harassment by interrupting it through indirect distraction.

e.g. Ask the person being harassed for directions, act like a friend who knows them, ask for the time, and distract attention and energy away from the harassment.

DELAY

Sometimes harassment happens so fast, or perhaps you cannot immediately intervene. You can follow up and check in with the person who was being harassed.

e.g. Asking if they would like to be escorted somewhere safe or what they need, letting them know you witnessed what happened.

DOCUMENT

Documenting can save lives. Don’t share anything without the consent of the person being harassed. Document the location and signs. State the date and time, and capture documentation of the person harassing.

Above all, make sure the person being harassed is being supported.

DELEGATE

You’re witnessing someone getting harassed but might need help. Find a third party nearby. Preferably not the police.

Let the third party know what’s happening and how they can help. Time is often of the essence, and clarity in roles is helpful for de-escalation.

DIRECT

Assess the scenario when doing direct intervention.

There are a few questions to ask: Is the person safe? Do they want you to speak up? Are you safe? How will this impact this situation?

e.g. “She said no. Can you stop?“ “What you are doing is racist.”  “Please leave them alone.”

Care and consent are critical.

Always check for consent on how and if the person who is being harassed wants documentation shared.

Ensure you are centering the care and support on the person being harmed or harassed.

No matter who you are, there is always something you can do. Let’s take care of each other y’all.