The 4D Maze: Bystander Quest

It may sound obvious but before you intervene in a situation, you need to see it happening. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and the ways people are acting.​

If someone is acting inappropriately, the only way the behaviour can be addressed is if someone sees it and decides to act. Remember: it’s up to all of us to look out for each other. Keep an eye out for your friends. If you’re not sure if something is okay, don’t ignore it - find out what’s going on.

There are lots of different types of behaviour where a bystander could try to intervene, such as hearing discriminatory comments or even inconsiderate behaviour. Even though these behaviours are usually obviously wrong, it can still be easy to think that the situation ‘isn’t that bad’ or ‘you’re probably misunderstanding it’.​

If it looks like harm is occurring, it usually is. Ignoring what is happening won’t help anyone.

The most difficult part of being an active bystander can be deciding that you are going to be the one to do it. We might even feel that someone else would be better at doing something than us.​

It’s common to feel scared about stepping in or to think things like:​

• “I’m sure someone else will do something.”​
• “They can probably take care of themselves.”​
• “I don’t want to make more trouble for this person.”​
• “I don’t know what’s really going on between them.”​
• “It’s not really my business.”​

These are thoughts that everyone has. But if everyone thinks that someone else should act, that means that no one will. This is called the bystander effect. It’s up to all of us to look out for each other.

The most important thing to remember is that you always need to keep yourself safe first. This is important both for your own sake and because you can’t help anyone else if you’re hurt.​

There are four different ways that you’re able to be an active bystander:​

1. Be direct​
2. Distract​
3. Delegate
4. Delay

SCU:

To make a disclosure or report:

• Lodge a Student Incident and Hazard report via Riskware, as soon as practically possible.
• Lodge a formal complaint via an online form or email
• Email Student Safety 

Please do not hesitate to seek support. The SCU Counselling, Safety & Wellbeing team provides confidential advice, support and referral for both those impacted by and demonstrating concerning behaviour. The Conduct and Integrity Unit provides advice regarding your reporting options, and the process SCU takes if you wish to proceed with a formal report.   

To seek support:

• For immediate support, call SCU’s 24/7 Mental Health Support Line: 1300 782 676, text 0488 884 143.  
• Book an appointment with SCU’s Counselling, Safety & Wellbeing Service on 1800 SC HELP/ ‘1800 72 4357’ (Press 3) or email.
• International students, call 24/7 Medibank Student Health and Support Line: 1800 887283. Translators are available to assist.   
• Security ( Press 1) and other Support Services, call 1800 SC HELP/ 1800 72 4357 (Press 3). 

External Services:

MensLine Australia: Free Professional 24/7 phone counselling support for men 

• Phone: 1300 789 978

13Yarn: Crisis support hotline for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders

• Phone: 13 92 76
• Website: www.13yarn.org.au

1800RESPECT: National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Available 24/7.

• Phone: 1800 737 732 | Text: 0458 737 732 | Online Chat | Video Call (Mon-Fri 9-5pm AEST)
• Website: www.1800respect.org

QLife: Anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people 

• Website: https://www.qlife.org.au/
• Call 1800 184 527
• Web Chat: https://www.qlife.org.au/get-help/

eSafety Commissioner: Report online harm, adult cyber abuse and image-based abuse. 

• Website: https://www.esafety.gov.au/report/forms