Stand against violence
We all have a role
Gender-based violence affects people across all communities.
Doing nothing allows it to continue. You don’t need to have all the answers, but you can act.
Small actions can make a difference
You don’t need to have all the answers to take a stand against violence. Learning how to respond safely is one way to help challenge it.
Watch the video to learn more about taking a stand against gender-based violence and how to safely step in.
How to step in safely
The video introduces three ways to respond if you witness harassment: Direct, Delegate or Distraction. Choose what feels safest in the situation. You don’t have to act alone, and you can support the person afterwards.
Direct
If it feels safe, speak up or check in with the person experiencing harassment. Focus on them and what would help them feel safe.
You could:
- Make eye contact and give them the chance to ask for help
- Ask, “Are you okay?” or “Would you like some help?”
- Offer to walk with them to a busy area
- Stay with them until their bus or train arrives, or until a friend can meet them
Delegate
Ask someone else to help, especially if you don’t feel safe stepping in yourself. You could speak to a member of staff, security, a driver or another trusted person nearby.
If the person wants to report what happened, you could help them contact:
- Venue staff or management
- British Transport Police by texting 61016
- Emergency services on 999 if someone’s life is in danger
Share the options and respect the person’s decision about whether to report.
Distraction
Interrupt the situation with a neutral question or conversation. This may give the person a chance to move away without drawing attention to them.
You could:
- Ask the person for directions
- Start a conversation with them
- Create a simple reason to leave the situation together
Afterwards, ask what support they would like. For example, you could help them get to a busy area or wait with them for a taxi.
Keep safety at the centre. Don’t put yourself in danger. You can choose a different approach or ask someone else to help. If someone’s life is in immediate danger, call 999. Read the Stop. Support. Report. guide from UN Women UK for more suggestions.
Quick check
Practice Stepping in Safely
In each scenario, consider whether you could respond directly, ask someone else to help, or use a distraction. Choose an option that feels safe, then think about how you could support the person afterwards.
- Check your own safety first. If it doesn’t feel safe to step in, get help from staff or security.
- If it’s safe, try a distraction or quietly check in with the person.
- Ask what would help them feel safer. Don’t assume or take over.
- Offer to walk with them, wait together, or contact someone they trust.
- Offer help reporting only if they want it.
- If someone’s life is in immediate danger or harm, call 999.
Remember: We all have a role in standing against gender-based violence. Make your pledge: