International Bystander Awareness Day – March 13^th

“What hurts the victim most is not the cruelty of the oppressor, but the silence of the bystander.” – Elie Wiesel

Who is a Bystander?

Bystander

/ˈbʌɪˌstandə/

noun

a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part.

Similar

onlooker

passer-by

non-participant observer

spectator

witness

That could also mean:

Witnessing a colleague make a discriminatory remark in a meeting 

Watching a classmate being bullied

Noticing someone being excluded or undermined

The Impact of Bystander Intervention

60%

Hate crimes can be prevented from escalating into serious violence through safe and timely bystander intervention.

(Source: UK Home Office, 2022)

1 in 4

People have witnessed bullying or harassment, but don’t feel confident enough to step in to help and intervene.

(Source: American Psychological Association)

102%

Survivors say that bystander intervention made a significant positive difference in how their situation was resolved.

(Source: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 2021)

Day

Hour

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Save the date

On March 13, we celebrate International Bystander Awareness Day. A day that unites people to tackle hate and hostility. We want to raise awareness of ways that you can help people who suffer from hate.

International Bystander Awareness Day 2026

13th March, Our annual commemoration of International Bystander Awareness Day. This year, we were joined at Nottingham Contemporary by The Collective from Nottingham Music Service. We watched and discussed the impact of The Witness, the story of Kitty Genovese as explored by her brother.

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What is the Bystander Effect?

Did you know that you are less likely to help someone in need when there are other people around you?

This phenomenon is called the bystander effect. It’s easy to think that “someone else will surely stop in” when others are present.

However, because of that, people in need often don’t get help.

Why March 13th Is International Bystander Awareness Day

International Bystander Awareness Day is observed on 13 March to remember Kitty Genovese, who was murdered in Queens, New York, in 1964.

Early reports claimed that 37 witnesses failed to intervene. While later investigations, including The Witness, challenged parts of that narrative, the case went on to inspire psychologists John Darley and Bibb Latané to study the “bystander effect“

We mark International Bystander Awareness Day on 13 March to honour Kitty Genovese on the day she died and to raise awareness of why people hesitate to act, and how bystanders can choose intervention instead.

International Bystander Awareness Day (IBAD)

International Bystander Awareness Day (IBAD) was launched by Communities Inc. in 2019, originally as National Bystander Awareness Day in the UK. The initiative was created to unite people against hate and hostility by highlighting the positive role bystanders can play in de-escalating incidents and supporting victims.

Join the movement #IBAD2027

#IBAD provides a platform to:

– Highlight the powerful, positive impact bystanders can have when they choose to act

– Share practical, everyday ways people can safely support those in need

– Promote stepping up and standing together against hate

International Bystander Awareness Day 13th March #IBAD

Learn the 6 Steps to Being an Active Bystander

Our method gives you practical options:

See

Notice what’s happening around you

Report

Alert authorities when necessary

Support

Offer help to those in need

Distract

Create a diversion to de-escalate

Disapprove

Show that behaviour is unacceptable

Directly Challenge

Confront inappropriate behaviour

You could make a real difference.

Bystanders have more power than you think

The Law Protects Bystanders Who Step In

One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to act is fear. Fear of getting it wrong. Fear of legal consequences. Fear of making things worse.
Here are some Key UK Laws That Protect Bystanders

Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015 (SARAH Act)

Ensures that courts consider a bystander’s actions when assessing negligence claims, especially if they were acting in the best interest of society or demonstrated a responsible approach.

Good Samaritan laws

Most countries have laws that encourage bystander intervention in emergencies & ensure that individuals who assist are not held liable for unintentional harm caused while acting in good faith.

Equality Act 2010

If you challenge harassment or discrimination or support someone facing it, the law protects you from victimisation because you spoke up.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

In workplaces, the law encourages reasonable action to protect others’ safety, including intervening safely or raising concerns.

How to report a hate crime

More ways to get involved

Host a Discussion group

Explore important questions about bystander intervention and barriers to helping others.

Organise a film screening

Show “The Witness”(2018) and follow up with group discussions on being a better ally.

Spread the word

Download, share, and tag #IBAD to join the global conversation

Book bystander intervention training

Join a session or book a workshop for your team. Request the training brochure.

Download #IBAD Assets

Download IBAD2026 Statement

Download Social Media Pack

Logo and Branding Kit

Post on your social media on IBAD day
Tag @CommunitiesInc and use #IBAD

Copy these Captions

The bystander effect teaches us that silence can allow harm to continue. #IBAD is a reminder that we all have a role to play. We’re standing with @CommunitiesInc or @Communties_Inc to challenge hate and show what active inclusion looks like.
https://communitiesinc.org.uk/international-bystander-awareness-day-march-13th/

We’re proud to support #IBAD with @CommunitiesInc — a day to stand against hate and promote inclusion. Every organisation has a role to play in building communities where people feel safe, respected, and valued. Download the resources, share the graphics, and let’s make inclusion more than words.
https://communitiesinc.org.uk/international-bystander-awareness-day-march-13th/

It’s #IBAD Standing with @CommunitiesInc to challenge hate and build stronger communities.
https://communitiesinc.org.uk/international-bystander-awareness-day-march-13th/