Moral beliefs, hate crime, and bystander intentions : Who gets help in street assaults?

• In Event: Hate crimes

Abstract

This study examines bystander intentions to help victims of street assaults based on victim characteristics (disability, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity) and the moral beliefs of potential helpers. Using a representative sample from 10 European countries (n = 10,612), participants were assigned one of four victim types (generic, disabled, Black, and LGBT) and asked about their intention to help. For LGBT victims, participants were randomly assigned to a specific subgroup (gay man, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender). Preliminary statistical results will be reported. ANOVA results indicate that participants were most likely to help a disabled victim and least likely to help an LGBT victim, with statistically significant but relatively small differences in helping intentions between generic, Black, and LGBT victims. Among LGBT victims, bystanders were most willing to help lesbians, followed by gay men, bisexual individuals, and transgender victims. Multiple regression models revealed that people who prioritise security and loyalty were more likely to help groups they perceived as needing protection, particularly disabled victims. Security beliefs negatively predicted helping gay men and trans victims, whereas those who prioritised social responsibility were more likely to help all marginalised victims, including Black, gay, and transgender individuals. These preliminary findings suggest that societal stereotypes — particularly paternalistic prejudice — and moral values shape intervention willingness, with implications for research and policy, especially bystander training interventions.

Authors

• Piotr Godzisz, University of Leicester

• Caroline Erentzen, Toronto Metropolitan University