PERIL’s Sports & Culture initiative meets people where they already gather — in stadiums, arenas, and fan communities — to build resilience against online hate and to model what prevention looks like in everyday life. In partnership with the Chicago Sky, PERIL piloted a first-of-its-kind, in-arena prevention awareness-raising built around the team’s Be The Sixth Player campaign, which calls on fans to stand up as active bystanders against the online misogyny directed at women athletes.
What Is a Bystander Intervention?
Violence, harassment, and related harms can be prevented by creating a healthier community. When bystanders intervene when they see something wrong, it can make hate and harassment less acceptable before it escalates to physical violence. This guide is for fans, families, and community members; it is not a substitute for arena staff, security, emergency response, or 911 in case of emergency. But when we see a small harm that, if unchecked, could escalate into a greater harm or make our community feel like a harmful one – we each have the power to point our communities in a safer direction.
Bystanders recognize potentially harmful situations and take action to make a positive difference. While those committing the personal fouls are responsible for the harm they cause, bystanders can intervene to protect others, themselves, and their community, making sure that those hurt by hate and harassment are seen and protected.
An Introduction to Bystander Interventions
Bystanders first need to take care of themselves. When encountering harassment, always assess the situation. Ask yourself: what are you noticing? How will you protect your own safety and the safety of others? Evaluate if intervening in the moment will just escalate, putting the bystander in harm’s way.
Responding to Online Harassment
Hate and harassment online isn’t always easy to spot. Sometimes harassment looks like “harmless” locker room talk or gets passed off as “just a joke.” Other times, the intent to hurt someone is obvious. So, what can you do to help the team?
Responding to In-Game Harassment
Any sports fan that loves being at the game has been there—you’re watching the Sky battle it out in the fourth quarter when, out of nowhere, someone in the stands takes their trash talk from fair play to another level. The comments might sound something like, “My son would beat you 1 on 1,” “She’s not good enough to be here,” “She’s too pretty to be playing ball,” or “Women shouldn’t be refs.” It might sound like a joke, but the harassment and pain are real.
Responding to Hate in Casual Conversations
You know the situation—you’re hanging out with friends, chatting with coworkers, or catching up with family when a comment drops that completely derails the vibe. Casual hate and biased remarks often slip right into everyday conversations. Sometimes it gets passed off as “just a joke,” but words have power, and letting them slide sets a dangerous standard that this kind of speech is acceptable.
When Young People Say Something Harmful
When you overhear a child or adolescent making hateful remarks or engaging in harassment, these incidents should not be dismissed as youthful mistakes. Without timely intervention, young people may repeat such behavior and, over time, become less inclined to consider the negative impact of their statements on others.
