In a street, a young woman is checking to see if another woman is ok.
In a street, a young woman is checking to see if another woman is ok.

Help stop it

Many of us have seen some form of abusive and harmful behaviour against women and girls, but it can be difficult to know whether to intervene. Some people worry they’ve maybe misread the situation and could make things worse. Some worry about putting themselves at risk. If you’re unsure about whether to intervene, here are some key signs to look out for. 

  • Does the person look uncomfortable or upset?
  • Are they trying to escape or move away?
  • Do they seem frightened?
  • When you make eye contact, do they respond in a way that makes you think they want help?

How to intervene safely

Intervening doesn’t have to be dramatic or confrontational. Even small acts of recognition and support can help stop abuse. Here are four simple ways to help you step in safely – just think STOP.

A man says something in a bar to another man.
A man says something in a bar to another man.

Say something

You can show your disapproval at what is going on for example, by not laughing and saying, 'I don’t think that’s funny'. Or you could be more direct, if you feel it’s safe to do so, by saying it’s unacceptable and tell them to stop.

Two women talking in an office.
Two women talking in an office.

Tell someone

You could tell someone in charge, like the bar staff if you’re in a pub or club, Human Resources (HR) if you’re at work, or the train guard or bus driver if you’re on public transport. You could also tell another member of the public or a passer-by and see if they’re willing to help – working together can be a safer, more effective way to intervene. It is important to check in with the victim on who they want to tell, or if they want to call the police.

Man talking reassuringly to woman at gym
Man talking reassuringly to woman at gym

Offer support

You can ask the victim if they’re OK. You could capture what’s happening on your phone and ask if they want the footage to report the incident, and you could offer to help report it. You could also help others already giving support. If it’s someone you know, check in with them when they are alone and offer to help or support them to report it if they want. If you think they might be in an abusive relationship, there is expert advice on what you can do and support available online or on the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

A man talks to a woman on a train.
A man talks to a woman on a train.

Provide a diversion

Sometimes what's best in the moment is creating a distraction, giving the person being targeted a chance to move away or giving others the opportunity to get help. You could strike up conversation with the victim, e.g. ask for directions, or where the next stop is on the bus, or pretend you know them. If you’re at work, you could make up an excuse to speak to them about an unrelated task. You could also try dropping something nearby or creating some other minor commotion.

Depending on the situation, where you are and who’s involved, you can use just one or a combination of these tactics. By standing against all forms of abuse, and holding perpetrators accountable, we can create a society where women and girls are safe.

If you think somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.

Test yourself: how could you help?

Explore the scenarios below to see how you could put these ways to intervene safely into practice.

Two men and three woman are in a kitchen diner. They have expressions of concern and disbelief on their faces in reaction to something they've witnessed.
Two men and three woman are in a kitchen diner. They have expressions of concern and disbelief on their faces in reaction to something they've witnessed.

Controlling and coercive behaviour

Your friend has become withdrawn since she met her new partner and you think he's controlling her.

How could you help?
A group of people on a bus, looking to camera with concerned expressions.
A group of people on a bus, looking to camera with concerned expressions.

Catcalling

On the bus home, you see a young woman being catcalled by a man. He's making sexual comments and moving really close to her.

How could you help?
Four male students in a university classroom, looking to camera with disgusted expressions.
Four male students in a university classroom, looking to camera with disgusted expressions.

Revenge porn

Your friend is uploading nudes of his ex-girlfriend on to social media to deliberately hurt and embarrass her.

How could you help?
Group of people in a bar looking to camera with concerned expressions.
Group of people in a bar looking to camera with concerned expressions.

Unwanted touching

You see a man groping a woman in a bar. She tries to move away and is clearly uncomfortable. 

How could you help?

Reporting abuse

Letting acts of abuse pass can make the people who commit them think their behaviour is acceptable. You can help by reporting abuse when you witness it.

More on reporting abuse

Guidance and resources for teachers and school staff

Teachers and school staff play a vital role in safeguarding children and educating them on healthy relationships. Find out more about what you can do if you’re worried about a child who may have experienced abuse or is displaying concerning behaviour.

Teacher guidance and resources