Assessing an Intervention Opportunity

  1. Witness an occurrence out of the ordinary.

  2. Decide “in your gut” if what you just witnessed was unacceptable or if something was amiss.

  3. Ask yourself:

    • Could I play a role here?

    • If no one intervenes, what will likely happen?

    • Is someone else better placed to respond?

    • What would be my purpose in responding?

  1. Assess your options for giving help

  2. Determine the potential risks of taking action.

  • Is there a low risk option?

  • Are there risks to myself?

  • Are there risks to others (e.g. potential retaliation against person being "helped")?

  • How could I reduce risks?

  • Is there more information I can get to better assess the situation?

  1. Decide whether to act, at the time or later.

  2. Get help when:

  • Potential for physical harm exists.

  • Professional medical help is called for.

  • You don't feel safe taking action yourself.

 

Adapted and expanded from Darley & Latane’s Bystander Intervention Model)
http://really.ubc.ca/learn-more/