October is National Crime Prevention Month, serving as an annual reminder about safety awareness and the prevention of crime in our communities. Addressing harmful behaviors is one way to prevent crimes from happening, specifically sexual harassment and sexual assault. Learning bystander intervention tactics and intervening when necessary can help make Army communities safer.
But what is bystander intervention? Before addressing this question, one must first understand human behavior.
“Excuse me, you just dropped your jacket,” “Thanks for holding the door” or “Hey, I think you’re next in line” are familiar phrases that we probably deem low-threat exchanges with strangers. These are moments when we can offer or receive assistance without any perceived consequences. Frank Hawkins, Headquarters, Army SHARP Policy & Oversight Branch, described these behaviors as prosocial behaviors, which are “… actions aimed at assisting others, driven by care for their rights, emotions and well-being. These behaviors often involve demonstrating empathy and showing concern for the welfare of others.”
So, what happens in situations when the stakes change? Observing an inappropriate conversation, witnessing a battle buddy in a potentially hostile situation or seeing someone being harassed are higher-stakes scenarios that may change someone’s willingness to engage. It could also boil down to whether someone is observant enough to step in. “First, there needs to be an awareness. Does the bystander even realize or understand what’s going on? We assume just because proximity is there, everyone has awareness of the situation, and that sometimes simply isn’t true,” Hawkins explained.
According to Hawkins, the other two factors are taking responsibility and making a plan.
“To be aware of a situation is one thing, but to feel a personal responsibility or obligation to step in and intervene is another,” Hawkins said. Another common misconception about bystander intervention is that someone else will step in to help. “Many people will see or hear a situation and say, ‘Oh, someone else will say something’ or ‘This isn’t my business or problem,’ (but) for Soldiers, it is a duty and an obligation to act. If you see something, say something,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins explained that diffusion of responsibility is what happens when individuals refrain from acting, then believe that because those around them are not helping or responding, action was not needed. But that may not be true. With the proper tools, anyone can intervene. That is why the Army has a three-step approach:
1. Direct. Call out the perpetrator’s statements or behavior by saying, “You need to stop,” “Why would you say that?” or “That is so inappropriate.” Offer to escort the potential victim somewhere safe.
2. Distract. Do anything that distracts the perpetrator. Change the subject or say, “I think I hear someone coming.” Remove either the potential victim or perpetrator from the situation/hostile environment by saying, “Hey, I want to show you something. Come over here with me.”
3. Delegate. Delegate others to intervene. Have friends, squad members or coworkers take the perpetrator or potential victim out of the situation or send someone to intervene (e.g., chain of command, MPs, etc.).
It takes personal courage to intervene. By learning to recognize when others need assistance, accepting the responsibility to offer help and knowing how to effectively provide it, you can do your part to support others. If you or someone else needs additional support, anonymous services are available. Call the Safe Helpline at 877-955-5247 or visit the website to chat online.
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