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Sexual Assault Survivor Services

Bystander Intervention

What to Do as a Bystander

When you notice something that seems unsafe, inappropriate, or concerning, you have options for how you can respond. The best approach depends on the situation, your safety, and what the person experiencing the behavior needs.

1. Direct: Address the behavior or situation clearly and calmly.

You might say:

  • “That’s not okay.”
  • “Please stop.”
  • “Leave them alone.”
  • “Are you okay?”
  • “Do you need help?”

Keep your response brief. Avoid getting pulled into an argument or trying to convince the other person that their behavior is wrong. If the situation becomes unsafe, step away and seek additional help.

2. Distract: Interrupt the situation without directly confronting the person whose behavior is concerning.

The goal is to shift attention or create an opportunity for the person to move away. You could:

  • Ask the person if they know where a nearby location is.
  • Start an unrelated conversation.
  • Ask them for the time.
  • Pretend you know them and say hello.
  • Create a harmless interruption.
  • Position yourself nearby if doing so is safe.

A distraction can be especially useful when directly confronting the situation could make things worse.

3. Delegate: Ask someone else to help.

You might involve:

  • A friend or bystander
  • A professor, supervisor, or staff member
  • Event or building personnel
  • Campus safety
  • Law enforcement when there is an immediate safety concern

Be specific about what you observed and what you need the person to do. For example:

“I’m concerned about what is happening over there. Could you come with me and help check on them?”

Whenever possible, involve the person experiencing the situation in decisions about what happens next. Remember that different people may have different levels of comfort with authority figures or law enforcement.

4. Delay: You can still help even if you weren't able—or didn't feel safe—to intervene in the moment.

Afterward, check in privately:

  • “Are you okay?”
  • “I saw what happened. How are you doing?”
  • “Is there anything I can do to support you?”
  • “Would you like someone to stay with you?”
  • “Would it be helpful if I connected you with a resource?”

Listen without judgment. Let the person decide what support they want.

5. Document: If it is safe and appropriate, you may record or write down what happened.

Before documenting, consider whether someone is already helping the person. Supporting the person comes before getting a recording.

If you document:

  • Stay out of harm's way.
  • Capture only what is necessary.
  • Ask the person involved whether they want the recording or notes.
  • Respect their wishes about what happens to the documentation.
  • Do not post or share images or videos of the incident without permission.

Documentation should support the person—not take control away from them.

Safety Comes First

Bystander intervention should never require you to put yourself or someone else in danger.

Remember:

  • Assess the situation. Consider whether intervening could cause the situation to escalate.
  • Get help. You don't have to handle a concerning situation alone.
  • Work together. A group of people may be able to respond more safely than one person acting alone.
  • Trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe, create distance and seek assistance.
  • Call 911 when there is an immediate threat to someone's safety.
  • Use available campus safety resources when appropriate.

Choosing an approach: There is no single "right" way to intervene. You might use one of the 5 Ds—or combine several approaches.
For example, you might Distract someone who appears uncomfortable, Delegate to a staff member, and later Delay by checking in with the person.
The goal is not to be a hero or to confront someone. The goal is to help create safety, interrupt harmful behavior when possible, and support the person affected.

Information provided by righttobe.org