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.
The 5Ds Framework: Introduction
The 5Ds framework provides five practical options to intervene when witnessing harassment. Each option aims to interrupt harm, protect the target, and maintain safety for everyone involved. The framework supports quick, ethical decisions aligned with workplace policies and respect for all employees.
These options are not rigid scripts. They are adaptive tools for real time situations. Use your judgment, assess the environment and safety, and consider the impact on individuals and the team before acting.
Key decision points include the severity of the behavior, the presence of witnesses, potential retaliation, and the immediate safety of everyone. When in doubt, seek guidance from a supervisor or HR in line with policy.
- Direct
- Distract
- Delegate
- Delay
- Document