The Bystander’s Guide to Preventing Abuse on Set
Introduction – Witnessing Abuse Without Power
Being a bystander on set can be uncomfortable. You may witness something that feels off - an inappropriate comment, a boundary being crossed - but you don't know whether to say anything. It is important to be aware of the signs of abuse and potential harm, as early recognition can help prevent further issues. The fear of retaliation, career impact, or misreading the situation is real. Bystanders need guidance and access to resources to know how to act safely and effectively. This guide is about finding ways to support those experiencing abuse - safely, quietly, and effectively - while also protecting your own safety and without putting your own job at risk.
Understanding the Role of a Bystander
A bystander is anyone who witnesses behavior that may be harmful or violates policy. In the entertainment industry, where hierarchies and power imbalances run deep, bystanders play a crucial role in shaping culture. Involvement from all members of the set community is crucial for preventing abuse, as communities benefit when everyone takes responsibility for safety. Being a bystander doesn’t mean you have to confront the abuser directly - it means you find ways to support the person impacted and prevent escalation, even through small acts of intervention that demonstrate your commitment to a safer environment.
The Bystander Effect: Why We Freeze and How to Break It
The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon that can keep even the most well-intentioned people from stepping in when they witness harm. On set, this often looks like a room full of people noticing something is wrong, but no one is taking action. Each bystander assumes someone else will intervene. This diffusion of responsibility is powerful, especially when social norms suggest that staying silent is the safest option.
But the presence of others doesn’t have to mean inaction. Recognizing the bystander effect is the first step to breaking it. If you notice yourself or others freezing, remember: expressing concern, even in a small way, can make a difference. Direct intervention doesn’t always mean confrontation—it can be as simple as checking in with someone privately or redirecting a conversation.
Bystander intervention training can help you identify these moments and give you the tools to respond effectively. Organizations can set the tone by encouraging active bystander behavior and clarifying that everyone has a role in preventing harm. When bystanders take action, they not only help the person at risk but also create a culture where misconduct is less likely to occur.
By understanding the bystander effect and choosing to act, even if it’s just to express concern, you help create a safer, more supportive community on set. Every intervention, no matter how small, chips away at the silence that allows harm to persist.
Why Most People Stay Silent
Fear of retaliation or career damage
Many worry that speaking up will label them as “difficult” or harm their future work.
Belief that it’s “not their place”
Some assume only HR or leadership should step in.
Uncertainty about what actually happened
When harm is subtle or verbal, it’s easy to second-guess what you saw or heard.
Lack of tools or language to step in
People often freeze in the moment or don’t know how to intervene appropriately.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Misconduct
Recognizing and identifying warning signs early is crucial for preventing and addressing misconduct. Some signs to watch for include:
Someone looks uncomfortable or avoids eye contact after an interaction
A crew member is frequently left out of meetings or conversations
Comments or jokes about identity, body, or ability
Emotional outbursts or manipulative behavior by someone in power
Aggressive behavior, such as sudden anger or hostility, which may indicate underlying issues
Noticeable changes in feelings or emotional responses, like withdrawal or anxiety
Consider the person's age when interpreting signs, as behaviors and expectations can vary across age groups
Friends or peers noticing changes in someone's behavior or exclusion from group activities
Trust your instincts—if it feels wrong, it probably is.
Preventing Sexual Misconduct on Set
Preventing sexual abuse on set starts with a proactive approach. This means providing training and resources for everyone—cast, crew, and leadership—so that all are equipped to recognize, respond to, and prevent abuse. A safe and respectful work environment doesn’t happen by accident; it’s created through clear policies, open communication, and a commitment to supporting each other.
Sexual abuse can cause lasting physical and emotional harm, making prevention and early intervention critical. Bystander intervention is a key tool: when bystanders speak up or take action, they can stop abuse before it escalates. It’s essential to have straightforward procedures for reporting and addressing sexual abuse, so everyone knows how to respond if they witness or suspect harm.
Support for victims is just as important as prevention. Providing resources, listening without judgment, and ensuring the well-being of those affected helps prevent further trauma and demonstrates that the community stands against abuse. Community leaders and authority figures play a vital role in modeling respectful behavior and making it clear that abuse will not be tolerated.
Preventing sexual abuse on set is a shared responsibility. When everyone—regardless of role or authority—commits to bystander intervention and support, the entire community becomes safer. Recognize the signs, use the resources available, and remember: your actions can help create a set where respect and safety are the norm.
5 Ways to Safely Intervene on Set
Check in privately with the person affected
A simple “Are you okay?” or “I noticed that and it didn’t sit right with me” can go a long way in making someone feel seen and supported.
Interrupt or redirect the situation calmly
If it feels safe, change the subject, insert a light comment, or create space by pulling the affected person aside (“Hey, I need help with this over here”).
Make a record of what you saw
Document the incident by keeping private notes of what happened, when, and who was involved. This can help establish patterns and back up any future report, and proper documentation may be important if the legal system becomes involved.
Use reporting tools like MyConnext.org
You can report what you saw confidentially, without exposing yourself to backlash. Anonymous documentation can support others without requiring public action.
Talk to a trusted lead, coordinator, or union rep
If there’s someone on set you trust, share your concerns discreetly. You don’t have to make a formal complaint—just alerting someone can initiate change.
Creating a Culture of Collective Safety
Every person on set has a role in creating a safe environment. Taking a stand against abuse is essential—bystanders set the tone for what’s acceptable. Normalize respectful behavior. Step in with micro-corrections. Let people know you have their back. Involvement from all parties is necessary for lasting change. It only takes a few voices to shift an entire culture.
Support Doesn’t Require a Megaphone
You don’t have to make a scene to make a difference. Whether it’s a private check-in, an anonymous note, or calmly shutting down a harmful comment, quiet action still creates impact. Responding to abuse, even in small ways, can lead to a positive outcome for the set and those involved. Every time a bystander steps up, even a little, it chips away at the silence that protects abusers. On set, safety is a team effort—so join others in supporting a safer environment, where support can be subtle, strong, and career-safe.
