Bystander intervention from the victims’ perspective: Experiences, impacts and justice needs of street harassment victims

Abstract

This article examines street harassment victims’ experiences of bystander intervention in incidents of harassment. Drawing on the findings of a mixed-methods pilot study undertaken in Melbourne, Australia, it considers what forms these interventions took and the impact(s) they had on the harassment. It examines the impact(s) that bystander intervention had on participants. Findings suggest that bystander intervention is not common in incidents of street harassment.When it does occur, its impact is highly variable. Yet, bystander intervention is also central in informing victims’ perceptions of safety, harm and justice. These findings present some important implications and complexities for b..