Becoming an Active Bystander

Abstract

If most men are nonviolent, why do they not stop violence around them from occurring? Chapter 8 introduces readers to the vibrant field of bystander intervention. Readers will learn the key tenets of bystander intervention strategies as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, readers will gain an appreciation for the barriers that prevent boys from interrupting violence that they observe and strategize about how to overcome those barriers. The chapter also discusses whether jokes and “locker room talk” are worthy of interruption. Chapter 8 closes by identifying how boys can help survivors of sexual violence who disclose to them.