What you learn:
- Apply the 5 Ds of bystander intervention
- Assess risk and choose appropriate actions
- Escalate to the right channels while maintaining safety
- Support witnesses and recipients of harassment
Description:
Bystander intervention strengthens a respectful culture. This module teaches the 5 Ds framework and safe escalation practices to support colleagues who experience or witness harassment. You will practice reporting, redirecting, and de-escalation techniques in realistic settings.
By the end, you will feel prepared to act with courage and care in diverse environments, including remote and shift-based teams.
Bystander Roles and the 5Ds
Bystanders are colleagues who witness harassment and have an obligation to respond in ways that protect others and uphold policy. The 5Ds framework offers practical options: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, and Document.
Direct intervention involves addressing the behavior safely; Distract to interrupt the situation; Delegate to involve a supervisor or HR; Delay to assess risk and plan; Document to record what happened for reporting and accountability.
- Direct intervention when safe
- Distract to interrupt without escalating
- Delegate to a qualified person
- Delay to assess and plan next steps
- Document for records and escalation