Intervention & Advocacy Toolkit
Let’s break the cycle of violence together. With each collection, we partner with an impactful organization to donate proceeds to a cause that champions gender equity. Proceeds from...
Let’s break the cycle of violence together.
With each collection, we partner with an impactful organization to donate proceeds to a cause that champions gender equity.
Proceeds from Fractals Collection will support Hollaback, a bystander Intervention program that trains everyday people to respond to, intervene in, and heal from harassment.
Why Hollaback?
As players, we understand how harmful spaces unprotected from harassment can be. In the words of Hollaback: To break the cycle of violence, we must commit to seeing the humanity in everyone (including ourselves). We believe that although our struggles and our histories may be our own, our lives and our freedom are intertwined.
“It shouldn’t just be on people who experience a lot of harrassment to take care of themselves. All of us as a community should be working to take care of each other. Bystander intervention is just that. It is, what do you do if you see somebody experiencing sexual harrassment, assault, how can you show up into that?”
— Emily May, Founder of Hollaback!”
Follow Hollaback’s methodology to be an advocate the next time you witness race-based, or any form, of harassment.
The 5 D's
Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct.
To be clear - when intervening you are not expected to be a hero. That may be the biggest misconception. Rather, this methodology is designed to create a safe environment for the person being harassed and to allow them a safe way out of the situation.
1. Distract
Take an indirect approach to de-escalate the situation.
Start a conversation with the target or find another way to draw attention away from them.
What does this look like? You can try...
-> Pretending to be lost. Ask for directions. Pretend to know the person being harassed.
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-> “Spill” your coffee. Make a commotion in some way.
2. Delegate
Get help from someone else. Find someone in a position of authority.
Start a conversation with the target or find another way to draw attention away from them.
What does this look like? You can try...
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-> Finding a bus driver, store manager, flight attendant.
-> Work together with folks nearby who may be in a better position to intervene.
-> Call 311 or 911 (if it is safe) to request help. Before contacting 911, use Distract to check in with the person being targeted to make sure they want you to do this. Some people may not be comfortable or safe with the intervention of law enforcement. For many people and communities, a history of being mistreated by law enforcement has led to fear and mistrust of police interventions, and under the current climate, there are many communities, such as undocumented individuals, who may feel less safe in the hands of police. In certain situations, you may not be able to get to the person in which case, depending on the situation, you will need to use your best judgement.
3. Document
Assess the situation to ensure someone is already intervening, and that you are safe. If able, record the incident. ALWAYS ask the person who was harassed what they want to do with the recording. NEVER post it online or use it without their permission. Remember to center the wellbeing and safety of the person being victimized at all stages of intervention.
4. Delay
You may not be able to act in the moment, as many incidents harassment can be quick. Once the incident is over, check in with the person being harassed.
What does this look like? You can try...
-> Asking if they’re okay.
-> Asking how you can support them.
-> Offering to accompany them to their destination or sit with them.
-> Sharing your documentation of the incident (if you were able to document) and asking what they would like to do with it.
5. Direct
You may want to directly respond to harassment by naming what is happening or confronting the harasser. This tactic can be risky: the harasser may redirect their abuse towards you and may escalate the situation. Before you decide to respond directly, assess the situation to ensure the safety of yourself and the person being victimized.
What does this look like? You can try saying...
-> “That’s inappropriate, disrespectful, not okay, etc.”
-> “Leave them alone.”
-> “That’s homophobic, racist, (insert type of harassment), etc.”
Keep it short and succinct. Try not to engage in dialogue, debate, or an argument, since this is how situations can escalate. If the harasser responds, try your best to assist the person who was targeted instead of engaging with the harasser.
Direct intervention can be risky, so use this one with caution.
***A note about safety***: We don’t ever want you to get hurt trying to help someone out. Always think about safety and consider possibilities that are unlikely to put you or anyone else in harm’s way.
Want to go deeper on this?
Check out resources at https://www.ihollaback.org/resources/, and join the re—inc membership for an exclusive bystander intervention training with the Hollaback! team.
