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Beyond the Sidelines

Team: Mái Chéo
Stacy Phạm
Huỳnh Ngọc Ý Nhi
Trần Đào Mai Hân
Harlee Đào Quỳnh Anh

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COMM2754, Specialisation 1
School of Communication & Design
RMIT Vietnam

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CALL TO ACTION PARAGRAPH

5Ds to know 5 ways to act

“If not me, who? If not now, when?” reminds us that change begins with ordinary people choosing to act. Every day, countless women and girls experience harassment, yet too many moments pass in silence. Supporting SDG 5.2, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, doesn’t always require heroic actions; it starts with knowing how to respond safely. By learning the 5Ds of Bystander Intervention, you can help interrupt harm, support someone in need, and show that they are not alone. Master the 5Ds today: Distract, Delegate, Document, Direct, and Delay, and take the first step toward creating safer spaces for everyone.

Learn the 5Ds

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL

Goal 5 — Gender equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Target 5.2

Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

01 / The 5Ds

Distract & Direct

Distract

Distraction is a subtle way to intervene by interrupting harassment without directly confronting the harasser.

  • Engage the person being harassed, not the harasser.
  • Avoid mentioning the harassment; instead, start an unrelated conversation.
  • Create a distraction by asking for directions, pretending to know them, dropping something, or casually getting in between them.

The goal is to shift attention away from the situation safely and discreetly.

Direct

Direct means openly addressing the harassment and telling the harasser to stop. Because it can escalate the situation, always prioritize safety.

Before intervening, ask:

  • Am I physically safe?
  • Is the person being harassed safe?
  • Is escalation unlikely?
  • Do they seem to want someone to speak up?

If it feels safe, keep your response short and firm, without arguing or debating.

Examples:

  • “That’s not okay.”
  • “That’s inappropriate.”
  • “Please stop.”
  • “Leave them alone.”

If the situation escalates, focus on supporting the person being harassed rather than confronting the harasser.

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02 / The 5Ds

Delay

Delay is supporting someone after harassment has happened, especially when you couldn’t intervene in the moment.

  • Check in with the person and let them know you saw what happened and that it wasn’t okay.
  • Ask if there’s anything you can do to support them.
  • Offer to stay with them, accompany them, or help them get somewhere safely.
  • Share helpful resources or offer support if they want to report the incident.
  • If you documented the incident, ask if they would like a copy.
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03 / The 5Ds

Document

Documentation means safely recording or taking notes about harassment to preserve what happened and support the person affected.

  • First, assess the situation and make sure the person is already receiving help.
  • If someone is helping and you are safe, document the incident discreetly.
  • Always ask the person what they want you to do with the recording or notes.
  • Never post, share, or use the documentation without their permission.
  • Respect their privacy and avoid actions that could cause further harm, trauma, or unwanted legal involvement.
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04 / The 5Ds

Delegate

Delegation is asking someone else for help when you need support intervening in harassment.

  • Choose someone nearby who is willing and able to help.
  • Clearly explain what you are witnessing and how they can support the intervention.
  • Your Delegate could be a friend, another bystander, or someone with authority, such as a teacher, staff member, or bus driver.
  • Work together to create a safe and appropriate plan to intervene.
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UN Photo / Sustainable Development Goal 5

Goal 5 in pictures

Ten frames from the United Nations photo library, from the Goal 5 — Gender equality collection, looping past as you scroll. Hover a frame to bring it forward; open it to read the photograph’s own page.

Photographs © UN Photo. Collection: Goal 5 — Gender equality.