Bystander Intervention Pilot Project MAV Preventing Violence Against Women Network Meeting 12th of December, 2012

Bystander Research Project Two part research project aimed to assess community and organisational readiness to implement pro-social bystander interventions Part 1: International evidence review (2011) Use as part of a broader approach Ground programs in theory and current practice evidence Gendered approach Involve community members and organisations Length, skilled facilitators and evaluation Part 2: Statewide survey (2012) Sexist and discriminatory behaviour or cultures Readiness to act on unfair conditions in three settings

Survey results Strong support in the general community for bystander action More subtle and systemic forms of violence and discrimination still not considered very serious 1/3 had witnessed sexism towards women in the last 12 months and almost half (47.6 per cent) said they took bystander action Majority of Victorians expect sports clubs and workplaces to take a leadership role

Bystander approach and primary prevention Primary prevention addresses the problem before it occurs Causes of violence against women: Gender inequality Gender stereotypes Constructions of masculinity Not about responding to incidents of violence against women Focus is on the subtle and systemic behaviours that create cultures in which violence against women is ignored or condoned

Bystander Intervention Pilot Project Developed based on results from international evidence review and statewide survey Respectful and equitable organisational culture increases bystander action where: Organisational policies and procedures support this action There is support from colleagues The organisational culture of the workplace is supportive Project will seek to understand the ways in which: Workplaces can support the prosocial bystander action of employees Act as prosocial bystander organisations themselves

Project objectives Increase knowledge of sexism, gender discrimination and violence against women Raise awareness of the impacts of these behaviours and the costs of not taking action Develop skills in taking action to intervene safely and effectively Reduce perceived costs of taking action Promote organisational cultures that are conducive to taking action

Training overview Session one: Introduces key topics Violence against women Bystander intervention Session two: Recognising when bystander intervention is required Sexism, sex discrimination, sexual harassment Session three: Towards bystander action Organisational support for bystander action Strategies for bystander action _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Session four: Refresher training

More information? Nancy Pierorazio Community Safety and Wellbeing Branch (Workplace Facilitator for The Bystander Intervention Pilot Project) Email: nancy.pierorazio@melbourne.vic.gov.au David Flynn Bystander Intervention Coordinator Email: david@equalityconsulting.com.au