Helping bystanders step in
DEAKIN University research on the effectiveness of bystander intervention is underpinning a new campaign to reduce Victoria’s incidence of family violence.
A report by researchers at Deakin will inform the next phase of the Victorian “Bystanders for Primary Prevention Program,” which aims to empower Victorians to call out discrimination and disrespect when they see it.
Bystander intervention requires individuals to recognise and interrupt harmful situations. It could include overhearing and responding to a sexist joke, or calling out harassment or controlling behaviour, and has been shown to be one of the most effective means of preventing violence against women and family violence.
The campaign is being run in partnership with VicHealth and will investigate new ways to support bystander interventions, including new ways to make intervention simpler.
It is estimated that one in three Australian women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner, according to the most recent analysis of homicide statistics in Australia.
VicHealth funded the development of the report, “Bystanders for Primary Prevention: a rapid review,” to build understanding of what drives and encourages people to intervene when they witness sexist behaviour.
It was developed by Professor Ann Taket, Deakin Chair in Health and Social Exclusion, and her colleague Professor Beth Crisp from Deakin’s School of Health and Social Development, who undertook a literature review that drew on their edited book Eliminating Gender-Based Violence.
“Our research over the past 10 years has shown that a variety of programs that include interactive and active skillbased learning components are needed to encourage men and women to step up and step in when they hear a derogatory remark. It is a very important first step,” Prof Taket said.
“Challenging violence, abuse, harassment and discrimination is central to creating a society consistent with the Australian value of a ‘fair go,’ in which the human rights of all individuals and groups are protected and promoted.”
There is now a wide body of research that shows that verbal denigration and put-downs underlie violence against women — showing a lack of respect — and have a similar effect on other groups who are marginalised or discriminated against.
“We all have an important role to play as prosocial bystanders in the different settings of life: workplaces, schools, universities, sporting clubs and communities,” said Prof Taket.
“Our review demonstrates that there are opportunities for implementing programs to support effective prosocial bystander action in each of the different settings in society.
“We have identified nine key design principles that underlie effective bystander programs.
“This is a resource that will assist anti-discrimination program funders around the world in their funding decisions.”
The work of Prof Taket and her Deakin colleagues has also led to the development of theatre-based programs that educate and encourage prosocial bystander action around violence against and in support of women and trans and gender diversity.
The plays, You the Man and Being Frank are performed at secondary schools, universities, workplaces, sports clubs and community groups around Victoria.