Monitoring or Ignoring? A Behavioral Analysis of Bystanders in Real-Life Conflict Events

• In Event: Bystander Behavior and Intervention Strategies in Contexts of Violence

Abstract

Bystanders in public spaces can play a critical role in intervening during conflicts, preventing escalation, or providing help in emergencies. However, before taking action, they first evaluate whether intervention is needed. Leclerc and Reynald (2015) suggest that bystanders follow a series of steps, starting with noticing the conflict and then monitoring it. During the monitoring phase, situational factors such as the presence of others and the incident’s intensity influence their decision to stay or leave.
This study examines the characteristics of the monitoring phase: Do bystanders recognize and observe conflicts in public spaces? What situational factors influence their decision to stay and monitor?
By analyzing real-life incidents captured by CCTV in Amsterdam, we aim to understand bystanders' awareness and how the involvement of other third parties (bystanders, police, or medical teams) affects their decision to continue monitoring. This observational approach will offer valuable insights into bystander awareness in street incidents and whether monitoring is linked to eventual intervention. However, in case one of us is not able to fit in these options, we then would like to explore the option keeping our panel?

Author

• Laura Pighini, NSCR (Nederlands Studiecentrum Criminaliteit en Rechtshandhaving)