Bystander Intervention Study for Workplace Sexual Harassment

 Posted on November 19, 2025 in Sexual Harassment

A new study is shedding light on the different behaviors bystanders may exhibit when they witness sexual harassment in the workplace. The study identifies three distinct types of bystander intervention profiles, which offer insights for workplace sexual assault prevention programs. The choices made by those who witness workplace sexual harassment are shaped by the overall culture of the organization as well as the individual’s emotions and moral code.

If an organization has a zero-tolerance response to sexual harassment, the reaction of witnesses is far more likely to respond with confrontation and anger against the harasser. Organizations that avoid dealing with sexual harassment (775 ILCS 5/), particularly when it involves higher-level employees, tend to have workers who also refrain from intervening.  If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, you must seek legal assistance from a Wheaton, IL sexual harassment attorney as quickly as possible to ensure your rights are protected.  

What Are the Five Types of Interventional Behaviors After Witnessing Workplace Sexual Harassment?

The study identified several common behaviors exhibited by workers who witnessed a colleague being sexually harassed:

• Confrontation (speaking up immediately and stating the behavior is inappropriate)
• Distraction (interrupting the situation, changing the subject, or physically redirecting the target)
• Support (checking on the victim privately, encouraging formal reporting, and providing witness statements)
• Reporting (contacting a supervisor or HR, or documenting and escalating the concern)
• Discussing (discussing the incident with other witnesses to determine a course of action)

Which Witnesses to Sexual Harassment Are More Likely To Actively Intervene?

These behaviors were further divided into bystander intervention "profiles" such as "active intervention," "low-risk intervention," and "limited or no intervention." The researchers found that most people who observed workplace sexual harassment tended to combine one or more behaviors, which were based on the primary emotion felt by the observer.

For example, an individual who felt anger over the sexual harassment of a co-worker was likely to have more "active" behaviors, such as confrontation and intervention. An individual who primarily felt empathy for the person experiencing sexual harassment was more likely to offer lower-risk supportive behaviors.

Active interventions and confrontational responses often led to more positive perceptions from other witnesses and higher levels of gratitude from victims. Companies that had a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment were more likely to see witnesses to the harassment immediately step in.

Low-risk interventions, such as distraction and support, were also met with gratitude from the victim, but those who witnessed sexual harassment and did nothing were likely to have ongoing feelings of guilt and shame. Most people want to intervene when they witness sexual harassment, but are more likely to do so when it feels safe and socially acceptable.

What Prevents Bystanders from Intervening After Witnessing Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment often happens in breakrooms, during meetings, in an office, or over workplace messaging apps. Victims and witnesses alike may fear retaliation, causing them to avoid reporting the behavior or confronting the harasser.

Victims may also fear that they will not be believed, especially if the harasser is in a position of power. This is where bystander intervention emerges as one of the most promising tools for preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. When a bystander takes action in the moment or immediately after, sexual harassment can often be stopped before it escalates.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Sexual Harassment Attorney

Whether you are a witness to sexual harassment, experienced retaliation after reporting harassment, or want to build a stronger workplace sexual harassment prevention program, a compassionate, highly skilled Wheaton, IL workplace sexual harassment attorney from Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC can help.

At MKFM Law, our attorneys will aggressively fight on your behalf to ensure a safe workplace and justice for the harassment you experienced. Call 630-665-7300 to schedule your initial attorney meeting to discuss the facts and circumstances of your workplace sexual harassment issue.