Background

In the UK, 71% of women have experienced sexual harassment in a public space. It doesn’t have to be this way.

When we see or hear sexual harassment and do nothing, we empower the harasser.

The same goes for sexism, misogyny and unwanted comments that degrade women and girls – which are often disguised as ‘banter’ When we let these things pass, we create a culture in which others feel able to take it further. If you noticed something that wasn’t okay, would you know what to do?

Get the skills

Active Bystander training gives you the skills and confidence to have conversations with your friends and colleagues on these issues.

It also gives you a range of tools to safely respond to potentially harmful situations such as sexual harassment in public places. That could be diffusing it, offering help to the victim or calling on others to help you out. It doesn’t have to be confrontational – a few calm words can make the difference. When we intervene skilfully, we encourage others to do so too, sparking positive culture change.

 

Step up and get the skills to make a change in violence prevention

 

Course Information

Northumbria OPCC Active Bystander Training

What is it? Active Bystander Training gives you the knowledge and practical tools and techniques to intervene skilfully and safely in a range of situations. It was designed for us by leading experts in the field and is free to attend, thanks to Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, her Violence Reduction Unit, and Safer Streets Funding.

Northumbria OPCC Active Bystander Training takes place across two half day sessions, please do ensure when booking your course that you are available for both of the dates listed before you confirm your place.

Sign up via enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk
Lead The Change – Active Bystander Train the Trainer 3-day Course

Who is this aimed at? Would you be prepared to deliver Active Bystander Training in your community or organisation?  This course is aimed at professionals and facilitators who wish to become active bystander trainers and deliver the above training themselves.

What is it? This free 3-day masterclass will equip you with the materials, skills and confidence to deliver Active Bystander Training to staff in your own workplace or to your own communities to help prevent violence and abuse. The materials can be tailored for delivery to mixed gender groups or to single sex groups. All course materials and tools will be provided for you to use.

This 3-day course will cover:

  • The theory and pedagogy of bystander intervention for violence prevention.
  • Facilitating practice sessions to train active bystander intervention techniques.
  • Meeting resistance and ‘backlash’ with transformative empathy,
  • Engaging men and boys in preventing violence against women and girls and building gender equity.
  • Skills and techniques for holding reflective space with men and boys and time and space to do some of this reflection within the training.

Who will deliver it? It is designed and delivered by leading organisations in the fields of active bystander training (Kindling Transformative Interventions) and engaging men and boys (Beyond Equality).

For more information, please email enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk