Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Race Intersections as Barriers/Facilitators of Bystander Intervention in Sexual Violence

• In Event: Roundtable: Gender and Crime

Abstract

Bystander intervention has had positive evaluation results as a primary prevention method of sexual violence. In order to continue to move the field forward, closer examinations of how certain demographic variables affect a bystander’s decision to intervene should be conducted. Previous research has found men are more likely to intervene in emergency situations and women are more likely to help overall. Individuals who are Black are more likely to help than those who are white. There is no research which examines perceived sexual orientation. Further, there is minimal research which examines how perpetrator characteristics come into play with whether or not a bystander intervenes. This research intends to examine how perceived or known sexual orientation, gender identity, and race act as barriers or facilitators to helping behavior among perpetrators, victims, and bystanders.

Author

• Laurel A. Mazar, University of Illinois at Chicago