Utilizing Film for Bystander Education on Dating Violence: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Its Impact and Mechanism

Bystander intervention is a critical component in the response to dating violence. It has led to the development of numerous educational programs aimed at altering bystanders' attitudes and encouraging their proactive behavior to enhance safety. However, to date, South Korea lacks an evidence-based program for bystander intervention; therefore, we developed With-You, a film-based video-format bystander education program. In this study, we assessed its impact on bystanders' competencies in helping (actual and perceived knowledge and bystander preparedness), efficacy, and intended engagement level. In addition, we investigated the mechanisms through which the intervention might influence long-term efficacy and engagement, focusing on the role of enhanced knowledge and preparedness in the aftermath of the program. A parallel-designed, randomized controlled trial was conducted. In total, 96 participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (<i>n</i> = 47) or the attention control group (<i>n</i> = 49). Participants in the intervention group watched the With-You program, whereas those in the control group viewed a movie of similar length addressing partner violence issues. The results indicate significant interaction effects between group and time points regarding perceived bystander preparedness, knowledge (both perceived and actual), and bystander efficacy, with the intervention group showing marked improvements compared with the control group. These improvements were sustained over a 6-month follow-up period. Notably, the levels of perceived knowledge and bystander preparedness immediately post-intervention were predictive of sustained long-term bystander efficacy and the intended level of bystander engagement. With-You offers numerous advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and ease of distribution. We anticipate that With-You will be extensively adopted throughout South Korean society, which has previously experienced deficiencies in bystander education programs.