The 5 D’s of Bystander Intervention
We are proud to share a new video collaboration between LA vs Hate and Right To Be, spotlighting a powerful tool we can add to our toolbox: the 5 D’s of bystander intervention. When our communities are targeted by hate, we all have a role to play in showing up for our neighbors, friends, and community members when harassment or hate shows up in public spaces.
In this video, we explore what it means to safely and effectively intervene when someone is being harassed or targeted. This video outlines how we can step in ways that support and protect victims, rather than exacerbate harm.
The 5 D’s of Bystander Intervention
As defined by Right To Be, the 5 Ds are Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct — five approaches you can use (individually or in combination) to intervene when you witness harassment or hate. Click here to learn more about the 5Ds
Here’s a brief overview of each:
Distract: Interrupt the harassment by shifting focus away from the target or the harasser, giving the targeted person space or breaking the flow of harm.
Delegate: Ask someone else to intervene on your behalf or assist you. This might be a nearby person, a security guard, a staff member, or someone in authority (if appropriate). Clearly describe what you’re witnessing and suggest a way they can help.
Document: If it feels safe to do so, record or take notes on what’s happening. But only intervene in recording if the targeted person is already being supported (so you don’t distract from immediate help), and always ask the person who was targeted for consent before sharing or posting any footage.
Delay: If you can't safely intervene in the moment, you can still check in afterwards. Ask the person if they are okay, acknowledge you saw what happened, and offer your support — whether that’s walking with them, helping them report the incident, or simply offering a listening ear.
Direct: Naming the behavior, asking the harasser to stop, or supporting the targeted person openly. This is the riskiest strategy and should only be used when you have assessed that it is not likely to escalate danger for you or the person being harassed.
We invite you to practice and share these learnings and video with your community members so that they can be prepared to intervene safely if hate or harassment shows up in their community.
