What does the term ‘bystander intervention’ mean in the context of family violence?

Bystander intervention refers to the actions taken by community members to prevent or address family violence. This concept emphasizes the role that individuals can play in recognizing signs of abuse or potential harm and intervening in a constructive manner to assist victims or deter perpetrators.

In the context of family violence, bystander intervention can take many forms, such as offering support to a victim, reporting suspected abuse to authorities, or challenging harmful behaviors and attitudes in social settings. The focus is on empowering everyday people to act when they witness signs of violence rather than relying solely on professionals or law enforcement to handle the situation.