Bystander Approach
The bystander approach to violence prevention views men and women as empowered individuals with the skills to diffuse potentially violent encounters and value cultural differences. It defines a bystander as a family member, friend, classmate, teammate, coworker—anyone who is imbedded in a family, school, social, or professional relationship with someone who might in some way be abusive or experiencing abuse.
Many people mistakenly believe that they have only two options in instances of actual or potential violence: intervene physically and possibly expose themselves to personal harm, or do nothing. As a result, they often choose to do nothing.
We equip bystanders with options for intervention, most of which carry no risk of personal injury. With more alternatives for action, people are more likely to respond and not be passive and silent—and hence complicit—in violence or abuse by others. Many young men and women, and people in US society in general, have been socialized to be passive bystanders in the face of men’s violence against women.
Utilizing the unique bystander approach to prevention, men and women take back the power and shed stigma often associated with bystanders. Participants learn to serve as role models working to prevent violence and confront abusive peers. The approach does not involve finger pointing, nor does it blame participants for the widespread problems of gender violence. Instead, it sounds a positive call for proactive, preventive behavior, and leadership.