Crime Safety Security
Newsletter
24 March 2009

BYSTANDER EFFECT

At least one neighbor heard a woman’s repeated cries for help as she was being beaten to death in her home by her boyfriend. Yet no one called police until days later.

A group of onlookers to a criminal act often imitate the actions of their fellow bystanders. And most onlookers don't believe what they are seeing – or are shocked into inaction.

Bystander Apathy toward strangers has been part of social dynamics ever since crowds of strangers have gathered.

When a bystander is alone, s/he is more likely to help a stranger somehow. But responsibility is diffused when it’s a group of bystanders – so few will take any action. And each one is more likely to minimize the danger when they see no one else taking action. People assume that someone else is more qualified than they are to help. But a friend of the victim, of course, is much more likely to intervene.

Bystanders hesitate to put themselves in danger because they’re uncertain of whether they’re willing to risk their lives to save a stranger. And they’re uncertain of how to intervene effectively.

The best way for a victim to get help in an emergency is to be specific when calling for help. Instead of expecting a spellbound crowd to act, point specifically at one person and say “Hey, you, call the police.”

Learn more about this thorny issue at Rescuing a Victim Safely and The Kitty Genovese Syndrome & Yelling “Fire!” - Article Bank

Also see all of OUTDOOR SAFETY at:
• Outdoor-Safety-Overview
• Running Safety, Walking Safety, & Biking Safety FAQ.
• Street Crime: safety tips for women FAQ.
• Purse Snatching: how to lose as little as possible FAQ.
• Friendly Predators first get near - outdoor-safety-friendly-predators
• Force Predators' ambush zones - outdoor-safety-force-predators
• Predators' Favorite Targets - outdoor-safety-predators-favorite-targets
• Spotting Danger before it's too late - outdoor-safety-spotting-danger
• Facing Danger: your five options - outdoor-safety-facing-danger
• Rescuing a Victim Safely - outdoor-safety-rescuing
• Dog Attack: on you or a loved one - outdoor-safety-dog-attack
• Camping: human prey in isolated wilderness - travel-security-camping
• Camping Safety & Hiking Safety FAQ.
• Pickpockets: stopping masterful thieves - outdoor-safety-pickpockets
• Outdoor-Safety-Recap & Resources

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