Upstander Versus Bystander training

With information there is power and with that power, we could save a life or minimize someone's potential liability by recognizing an event that could potentially cause emotional or physical harm to a coworker or someone in our community. California law does not require bystander intervention content, but highly encourages it to be included during the regular mandated sexual harassment training every two years.

Upstander Versus Bystander training techniques is also on the rise. Upstander provides the bystander to not just stand there and not react to a violent or harassing situation where someone might be harmed, but to react and distract the individual inflicting the pain. It teaches skills and confidence for a person to see and recognize something wrong is happening and tell that person to stop, get help and not encourage the person and be part of the crowd.

Psychologists have long described the bystander effect as a phenomenal event or experience, where two or more people in a group or crowd are less likely to assist the victim or get help. These people hide within the group and sometimes infuse victimization or violence to continue. We need to stand up and know how to personally help the situation and assume some form of responsibility.

All employers, communities and faith leaders need help in this area to stop bullying, harassment and discrimination and foster healthy, helpful and safe work and community environments. Remember, if you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem. Include the bystander intervention as an upstander in your training or at least get the word out in the community.

For more information, please contact [email protected], today.