Respond to two colleagues by explaining the possible psychological effects experienced by both sexual violence survivors and bystanders.
Davisha Zhane Coronel (She/Her)
Apply one bystander intervention theory to the behavior of those exhibited in the video. Then, describe a scenario in which a bystander could have influenced this scenario in a different way. Please use the Learning Resources to support your application of theory.
-In the video it shows two young ladies by the name of Sherry and Talia at a table when a young man came up to them and introduced himself by Eric. Eric invited the girls to his frape party. In the video is shows that Talia is laying on the couch when Eric approaches her. Talia states “I’m drunk” while also showing signs of not being able to hold herself up. Eric gives her more alcohol from his cup knowing Talia had too much to drink since she mentioned taking her home as she needs to lay down. Sherry sees Eric holding Talia up as they are walking to the stairs and asked Talia if she was okay and wanted to go upstairs with Eric. Sherry showed concerns by only asking questions.
A bystander intervention theory that will result in the situation of the video is SMBB (Latane and Darley’s 1969 Situational model of bystander behavior) This theory is used to understand the behaviors of bystanders as related to adult intimate partner violence. In the article, “Who, when, how, and why bystanders intervene in physical and psychological teen dating violence”, it states: The decision to intervene in an emergency is based on sequential choices by the individual: 1, noticing something is wrong, 2. interpret the event as an emergency, 3. decide that it is his/her responsibility to intervene, 4. deciding how they want to intervene, and 5. implementing the planned intervention (Debnam, K. J., 2021). This theory is consistently used for adolescent who have the willingness to intervene in situations that needed.
At that moment, Sherry should had known that Talia was intoxicated as she was wobbly and couldn’t hold herself up as Eric had to help. Sherry could had taken Talia home herself, followed them to the room and stayed to make sure things were okay, or called someone to pick them up. In the video since Eric was introducing himself to the girls it tells that they did not know him so Sherry should have kept her friend safer by being around her while drinking. Other bystanders could have helped Talia while she was on the couch with offering her water to sober herself up or told Eric that she was fine on the couch to rest where she can be seen by others until Sherry came back to explain to her that her friend have been drinking too much and needed to go home.
Reference:
Zastrow, C. H., Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hessenauer, S. L. (2019). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Chapter 9, “Gender, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sexism” (pp. 410–454) (Review)
Debnam, K. J., & Mauer, V. (2021). Who, when, how, and why bystanders intervene in physical and psychological teen dating violenceLinks to an external site.. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 22(1), 54–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838018806505
Leone, R. M., Haikalis, M., Parrott, D. J., & DiLillo, D. (2018). Bystander intervention to prevent sexual violence: The overlooked role of bystander alcohol intoxicationLinks to an external site.. Psychology of Violence, (5), 639–647. https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000155
Reply
BERTHA ISSAC
Discussion
The bystander intervention theory that can be applied to the behavior exhibited in the video is the Five Steps of Bystander Intervention model. This model outlines steps that bystanders can take to intervene in situations where someone may be at risk or in need of help.
Notice the event: Bystanders need to be aware of what is happening around them.
Interpret the event as a problem: Bystanders should recognize that the situation requires intervention and is potentially harmful.
Assume personal responsibility: Bystanders must feel a sense of responsibility to intervene and help.
Know how to help: Bystanders should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to intervene effectively.
Implement the help: Bystanders take action to intervene and assist the person in need.
In the scenario described, Eric exhibits predatory behavior by encouraging Talia and Sherry to drink excessively and then attempting to take advantage of Talia when she is intoxicated. A bystander who is aware of the Five Steps of Bystander Intervention could have influenced this scenario in a different way
Notice the event: Another party attendee, let’s call her Mia, notices Eric’s behavior and sees that Talia is becoming intoxicated.
Interpret the event as a problem: Mia recognizes that Eric’s actions are predatory and that Talia may be in danger.
Assume personal responsibility: Mia feels a sense of responsibility to intervene and ensure Talia’s safety.
Know how to help: Mia approaches Talia and calmly asks if she is okay, noticing that Talia is not feeling well.
Implement the help: Mia intervenes by offering to take Talia home or ensuring she has a safe way to leave the party, intervening to prevent Eric from taking advantage of Talia’s vulnerable state.
Reference
Debnam, K. J., & Mauer, V. (2021). Who, when, how, and why bystanders intervene in physical and psychological teen dating violenceLinks to an external site.. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 22(1), 54–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838018806505Links to an external site.
Leone, R. M., Haikalis, M., Parrott, D. J., & DiLillo, D. (2018). Bystander intervention to prevent sexual violence: The overlooked role of bystander alcohol intoxicationLinks to an external site.. Psychology of Violence, (5), 639–64
