LIT 9.2 - Fileborn Bystander Intervention in Street Harresment Flashcards
What is the prevelance of bystander intervention in cases of street harrasment. Fileborn
- Bystander Intervention is not common
What are the forms of bystander intervention?
Forms of Bystander Intervention:
○Verbal Intervention: This was the most frequently reported form of intervention, often involving direct interaction with the perpetrator, such as telling them to leave the victim alone.
○Creating Physical Space: Some bystanders intervened by physically positioning themselves between the victim and the harasser.
○Ejecting the Perpetrator: In incidents occurring in places like public transport or shops, some bystanders removed or denied entry to the perpetrator.
○Checking In: Bystanders sometimes intervened by checking on the victim’s well-being, asking if they were okay, offering a supportive smile, or suggesting they sit in a safer location.
○Contacting Authorities: Less frequently, bystanders intervened by contacting or threatening to contact the police.
**○Passive Deterrent: **Some participants noted that the presence of a male partner or friends acted as a deterrent to harassment.
**○Physical Presence: **Occasionally, bystanders provided support by being physically present, such as walking the victim to safety
What is the impact of bystander intervention in street harrasment? Fileborn
Impact of Bystander Intervention:
○Highly Variable Outcomes: The effects of bystander intervention varied greatly. Some interventions successfully diffused or stopped the harassment, while others escalated the situation or had no noticeable effect.
○Ending Harassment: In many cases, bystander intervention led to the perpetrator stopping the harassment, particularly when it involved a clear message of social disapproval, such as a group condemning the perpetrator’s actions.
○Escalation of Harassment: Conversely, some interventions resulted in the harasser becoming more aggressive, especially when male bystanders intervened. This highlights the complex role of masculinity in shaping bystander and perpetrator responses.
○Displacement of Harassment: Sometimes, bystanders themselves became the target of the harasser’s aggression.
**○No Impact: **In some instances, bystander intervention did not seem to affect the perpetrator’s behaviour
What is the importance of bystander intervention (Fileborn)
Importance of Bystander Intervention for Victims:
○Increased Sense of Safety and Support: Bystander intervention often made victims feel safer and more supported. Knowing that someone was willing to intervene provided reassurance and validation.
○Reduced Harm: The presence of intervening bystanders often decreased the perceived harm of the experience.
○Justice Needs: Many participants viewed bystander intervention as crucial for achieving a sense of justice in response to street harassment. They valued the potential of intervention to hold perpetrators accountable, denounce their actions, and create a culture where street harassment is unacceptable
What are the challenges and complexities of bystander interention?Street Harrasment, Fileborn
○Recognition of Street Harassment: One of the key challenges is that bystanders may not always recognize street harassment as a form of sexual violence that requires intervention.
○Ambiguity of Situations: Street harassment can be ambiguous, making it difficult for bystanders to clearly identify inappropriate behaviour and determine if intervention is warranted.
○Diffusion of Responsibility: The public setting of street harassment can lead to a diffusion of responsibility, making individuals feel less obligated to act.
○Safety Concerns: The potential for escalation and harm to both the victim and bystander is a significant concern. Bystander education needs to prioritize strategies that minimize risk and emphasize self-care.
○Ethical Considerations: While many victims desire direct confrontation of the harasser, this approach may not always be safe or effective. Bystanders need to carefully consider the potential consequences of their actions and prioritize ethical and safe interventions
How should bystanders be educated? Street Harressment Fileborn
○Education Beyond College Campuses: Bystander education programs should explicitly address street harassment and expand beyond college settings to reach a wider audience.
○Emphasis on Safety and Self-Care: Training should equip bystanders with skills to assess situations, identify safe and effective intervention strategies, and prioritize their own well-being alongside the victim’s.
○Contextual Understanding: Further research is needed to better understand the contextual factors that shape bystander intervention outcomes. This includes examining the influence of the type of harassment, location, perpetrator characteristics, and social dynamics
