Have a WORD
Standing up for what’s right – safely
Most harassment or intimidation in public spaces happens in everyday moments – on the street, on public transport, in bars, or while people are out with friends. And very often, other people see it happening. That’s where bystanders matter.
When someone steps in – even in a small way – it can interrupt the behaviour, support the person affected, and stop situations from escalating.
You don’t need to be a hero, and you don’t need to put yourself in danger. But standing up for what’s right can make a real difference.
If you notice something that doesn’t feel right, think about how you might feel if it was your partner, your sister, your friend, your mum or someone you care about in that situation. Most of us would want someone nearby to help.
Being a good bystander is about looking out for each other and helping keep our communities safe.
Safety comes first
It’s important to remember that you should only intervene if it is safe to do so.
You don’t need to confront anyone or put yourself at risk. Often, the most effective actions are simple, calm and non-confrontational. Sometimes it’s just about checking in, creating a distraction, or getting help from others.
If something doesn’t feel safe, the best thing you can do may be to alert staff, security, friends or the police.
Have a WORD
If you see something that doesn’t feel right, remember WORD – a simple way to think about how you might help safely.
W – Watch
Trust your instincts.
Notice what’s happening around you.
Does someone look uncomfortable?
Is someone being followed, stared at, or spoken to in a way that feels intimidating?
Simply paying attention can help you recognise when someone might need support.
O – Offer
If it feels safe, check in with the person affected.
You might:
• Ask if they’re okay
• Start a friendly conversation
• Stand nearby so they’re not alone
Even a small gesture can help someone feel seen, supported and less isolated.
R – Redirect
You don’t always need to confront someone.
Sometimes you can change the situation instead.
You could:
• Ask for directions or the time
• Start a conversation to break the tension
• Create a reason for the person to move somewhere safer
The aim is simply to shift the moment and create space.
D – Do something
If the situation feels more serious, get help.
You could:
• Speak to venue staff, security or transport staff
• Ask others nearby for support
• Contact the police if someone is in immediate danger
You don’t have to deal with it alone.
Why these behaviours matter
Some behaviours are often dismissed as “banter”, “harmless fun”, or “just looking” but for many women and girls, these experiences can feel intimidating, uncomfortable or threatening – especially when they happen repeatedly or when someone is alone.
Things like:
• Intrusive staring
• Unwanted comments
• Online abuse
• Wolfwhistling
• Catcalling
might seem small to the person doing them, but they can have a real impact on how safe someone feels in public spaces.
Over time, these experiences can lead women and girls to change their behaviour to avoid feeling unsafe – taking different routes home, avoiding certain places, or staying alert when they should be able to relax. That’s why challenging these behaviours matters.
When people speak up, check in, or step in safely as a bystander, it helps send a clear message: This behaviour isn’t normal. And it isn’t acceptable.
Creating safer public spaces isn’t just about enforcement or policing – it’s about culture and shared responsibility.
When we all look out for each other, support people who may feel uncomfortable, and challenge behaviour that crosses the line, we help build communities where everyone feels respected and safe.
We all have a role to play
Harassment and intimidation often rely on people feeling isolated or ignored. But when bystanders step in – whether alone or as part of a group – it shows that this behaviour isn’t acceptable.
Looking out for each other helps prevent situations from escalating, support those who feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and create public spaces where everyone feels respected.
Whether you’re out on your own or with friends, we all have the power to help make public spaces safer.
See something that doesn’t feel right?
Have a WORD.
What if I’m not sure what’s happening?
It’s normal to hesitate. Situations in public spaces aren’t always clear, and you might worry about misreading what’s going on. But you don’t need to be certain that harassment is happening to show kindness or support.
Sometimes simply checking in or creating a small distraction can be enough to change the situation and help someone feel safer.
For example you could:
• Ask the person if they’re okay
• Start a normal conversation with them
• Stand nearby for a moment
• Ask them if they want to walk somewhere together
If everything is fine, that’s okay. However if someone is feeling uncomfortable or unsafe, that small moment can make a big difference.
Remember: it’s better to offer support than to look the other way.
If you’re with friends, you can help together
Bystander intervention doesn’t have to be something you do alone. In fact, if you’re out with friends or in a group, you’re often in a stronger position to help safely.
Friends can support each other by:
• Checking in with someone who looks uncomfortable
• Creating a distraction together
• Helping someone move to a safer space
• Speaking to venue staff or security
Groups can also help by setting the tone for respectful behaviour.
If someone in your group makes comments or behaves in a way that might make others uncomfortable, a simple word between friends can help prevent situations escalating.
Looking out for each other – and for others around you – helps make shared spaces safer for everyone.
Everyday examples of having a WORD
You don’t need to confront someone or cause a scene to help. Often the most effective actions are small and calm.
Here are some examples of what bystander support might look like:
At a bus stop or train station
Someone looks uncomfortable while a stranger keeps trying to talk to them.
You could stand nearby and ask: “Hi, do you know when the next bus is?” or start a conversation with them.
On a night out
You notice someone being repeatedly approached or followed.
You could check in: “Are you okay? Do you want to come and join us?”
Walking home
You see someone being followed or made uncomfortable.
You could slow down, stay nearby, or ask if they’d like to walk with you for a short distance.
In a group setting
A friend makes a comment or joke that might make someone uncomfortable.
A quick word between friends can help: “That’s not really okay.”
Small actions like these can:
• Interrupt unwanted behaviour
• Support someone who feels uncomfortable
• Help prevent situations from escalating
You don’t need to do everything – even one small action can help someone feel safer.