1 00:00:00,840 --> 00:00:03,180 Have you ever seen someone being publicly harassed 2 00:00:03,180 --> 00:00:06,750 but had no idea how to help? At that time, 3 00:00:06,750 --> 00:00:11,040 you might have chosen to walk away. As a bystander, 4 00:00:11,040 --> 00:00:16,530 you can help prevent, derail or discourage acts of harassment. 5 00:00:16,530 --> 00:00:18,870 Here are five tactics to effectively intervene 6 00:00:18,870 --> 00:00:21,630 when you spot harassment, also known as the Five 7 00:00:21,630 --> 00:00:25,900 Ds of Bystander Intervention. 8 00:00:25,900 --> 00:00:28,450 Distraction is a creative, non-confrontational way 9 00:00:28,450 --> 00:00:31,720 to shift attention and interrupt harassment. 10 00:00:31,720 --> 00:00:35,740 You can ask for the time or directions. 11 00:00:35,740 --> 00:00:37,570 Pretend you know the person being harassed 12 00:00:37,570 --> 00:00:40,750 and strike up a conversation about something random. 13 00:00:40,750 --> 00:00:42,850 Create a commotion by spilling your coffee 14 00:00:42,850 --> 00:00:44,530 or dropping coins from your wallet. 15 00:00:47,680 --> 00:00:50,560 Turn to a third party for help. 16 00:00:50,560 --> 00:00:52,120 Depending on the situation, you can 17 00:00:52,120 --> 00:00:56,990 delegate to a friend or someone in a position of authority, 18 00:00:56,990 --> 00:01:00,220 like teachers or security guards or peace 19 00:01:00,220 --> 00:01:04,569 officers equipped to de-escalate the situation. Unless it's 20 00:01:04,569 --> 00:01:05,772 a medical emergency, 21 00:01:05,772 --> 00:01:08,230 don't contact the police and check in with the person being 22 00:01:08,230 --> 00:01:09,310 harassed first. 23 00:01:09,310 --> 00:01:11,170 Many communities like communities 24 00:01:11,170 --> 00:01:14,290 of color, trans communities and immigrant communities 25 00:01:14,290 --> 00:01:17,980 may not feel safer with police presence. 26 00:01:17,980 --> 00:01:19,840 Recording an incident when it happens 27 00:01:19,840 --> 00:01:23,165 can be helpful when done safely and responsibly. 28 00:01:23,165 --> 00:01:24,790 There are a few things to keep in mind, 29 00:01:24,790 --> 00:01:28,090 such as: Make sure someone else is doing something 30 00:01:28,090 --> 00:01:31,540 to disrupt the harassment before you start filming. 31 00:01:31,540 --> 00:01:35,650 Maintain a safe distance from the incident. Film landmarks 32 00:01:35,650 --> 00:01:39,920 and clearly state the date and time. After filming, 33 00:01:39,920 --> 00:01:41,470 give the documentation to the person 34 00:01:41,470 --> 00:01:43,660 being harassed, giving them the power 35 00:01:43,660 --> 00:01:46,930 to decide what happens next. 36 00:01:46,930 --> 00:01:50,290 Sometimes harassers leave before anyone can intervene. 37 00:01:50,290 --> 00:01:53,490 You can still check in on the person targeted afterward. 38 00:01:53,490 --> 00:01:56,530 Some things that you can say are: Are you ok? 39 00:01:56,530 --> 00:01:58,780 I'm so sorry that happened to you. 40 00:01:58,780 --> 00:02:00,580 Is there anything you need? 41 00:02:00,580 --> 00:02:01,790 Do you want to report 42 00:02:01,790 --> 00:02:06,770 this incident? Can I accompany you somewhere? 43 00:02:06,770 --> 00:02:09,440 Confronting the harasser is the most direct and riskiest 44 00:02:09,440 --> 00:02:11,780 intervention tactic. Before you step in, 45 00:02:11,780 --> 00:02:14,450 assess everyone's safety. 46 00:02:14,450 --> 00:02:17,090 If you feel safe to do so, you can confront the aggressor 47 00:02:17,090 --> 00:02:20,600 by naming the type of harassment, 48 00:02:20,600 --> 00:02:25,160 stating what you observe. After you clearly set the boundary, 49 00:02:25,160 --> 00:02:27,290 turn your attention away from the harasser 50 00:02:27,290 --> 00:02:30,770 and towards the person being harassed and check in on them. 51 00:02:30,770 --> 00:02:32,690 Don't engage with the harasser and get 52 00:02:32,690 --> 00:02:35,570 into a back and forth. Whichever tactic 53 00:02:35,570 --> 00:02:36,720 you choose at the moment, 54 00:02:36,720 --> 00:02:40,350 remember that your action can be impactful. As bystanders, 55 00:02:40,350 --> 00:02:43,750 you hold the power to make a difference.