Intervention Strategies

The 5 D's of Intervention

Direct

Directly address the situation by speaking up or stepping in when safe to do so.

Example: "Hey, that's not cool. Stop it."

Distract

Create a diversion to de-escalate the situation.

Example: "Hey, can you help me with something real quick?"

Delegate

Get help from others, including authority figures.

Example: Alert security or other friends.

Delay

Check in with the person after the incident.

Example: "I saw what happened. Are you okay?"

Document

Record the incident if safe to do so.

Example: Take notes or video while maintaining distance.

Safety First

Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others
Trust your instincts
Don't hesitate to call for help
Intervention doesn't mean physical confrontation
Work with others when possible

After Intervention

Report the incident to appropriate authorities
Connect the person with support services
Follow up with the person if appropriate
Take care of your own mental health
Share your experience to help others learn

Sources

The information on this page is based on research and resources from leading organizations in sexual violence prevention. For detailed citations and additional sources, please visit our Sources page.