Rethinking Helpful Bystander Intervention in Intimate Partner Violence Based on Victim Perspectives

Abstract Purpose Bystander intervention in intimate partner violence (IPV) is gaining traction as a prevention initiative. While a developing body of evidence asks bystanders about their experiences intervening in IPV, a significant dearth of evidence draws on the voices of victims themselves. This study addresses this gap by asking: What do IPV victims want from bystanders? Methods Prioritizing the subjective experiences of IPV victims, the study draws on qualitative interviews with 16 IPV victims in Australia to examine their experiences with and perspectives of bystander intervention. Results Ideal bystander interventions were premised not on bystanders taking the initiative to step in, but rather relied on the bystander creating a safe space and a trusting relationship with the victim. This enabled victims to overcome barriers to help seeking and feel confident reaching out to a trusted bystander when they were ready to receive help. Conclusions We discuss how society may shift conceptualizations of bystander intervention in IPV away from notions of the active bystander stepping in to help, and towards an understanding of how bystanders can act to remove barriers to help seeking so that victims can maintain their agency and safely seek help from bystanders if and when they are ready.