ENCOURAGE, SUPPORT AND ACT: BYSTANDER INTERVENTION, A SOLUTION TO COMBAT SEXUAL HARASSMENT

As the #Me Too Movement has propelled the problem of sexual harassment and assault to the media headlines, bystander intervention prevention strategies are often cited as a solution to addressing these problems. Sometimes called a “community of responsibility” approach, bystander intervention strategies create awareness regarding our active role in creating a safe and respectful environment by shifting community norms and behavior expectations. This research paper has outlined the potential application of new and creative bystander approaches to address sexual harassment in the workplace. The paper has demonstrated the potential for bystander approaches to make a real difference in preventing and addressing sexual harassment as costly and damaging workplace harm. The research paper has analysed the important role to be played by a bystander and intervention strategies to be adopted for combating sexual harassment in workplaces.