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Bystander intervention

Bystanders are anybody who become aware of a behaviour, or situation where domestic and family violence has the potential to occur, is occurring or has occurred.

Types of bystander action:

  • Intervention - to stop an incident of violence that is occurring, by calling the police, reporting the incident to a security or authority figure (eg. teacher in a school, manager at location or workplace)
  • Tertiary prevention – supporting a victim or confronting a user of violence or following up with them after having witnessed an incident and assisting them to contact appropriate support services.
  • Secondary prevention – recognising or addressing a situation where there is a risk of violence occurring, such as keeping an eye out for the safety of a friend, peer or family member and being aware of action in response to what is happening.
  • Primary prevention - strengthening the conditions that work against violence occurring, by promoting gender and challenging sexist, discriminatory, violence-supportive attitudes and behaviours in your peer groups, workplace, home, or other social environments.
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