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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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
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Session four: Refresher training

8. More information? Nancy Pierorazio
Community Safety and Wellbeing Branch (Workplace Facilitator for The Bystander Intervention Pilot Project)
David Flynn
Bystander Intervention Coordinator