If you are out and about and see abuse what do you do?

 

Here are some helpful hints:

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DISTRACT

 

Distraction is a subtle and creative way to intervene. Distract either person with conversation unrelated to the harassment to derail and de-escalate the situation.

 

For example, ask for directions, spill your drink “accidentally”, pretend you know one of them.

 

DELEGATE

 

Bring in a 3rd party to help, possibly someone with more perceived authority.

 

For example, alert a store manager, bus driver, club bouncer, or someone else to help intervene.

 

DIRECT

 

Respond directly to the aggressor or physically intervene if necessary. Be confident, assertive, calm.

 

You could, for example, walk up to engage a street harasser and directly ask them to stop their behaviour.

 

Remember Safety First.

 

DELAY

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If you can’t intervene in the moment, you can check in with the person being harassed afterwards to see if you can do anything to support them, illustrating that they are not alone.

 

Examples: 

• “Is everything okay? 

• Is there anything I can do?” 

• “Is there someone we can call?”

•  “Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”