As attacks on Asian American communities continue, we’re asking New Yorkers to show up for their neighbors and intervene when witnessing hateful violence or harassment. I know that can be frightening when you aren’t sure what to do or say, but you can learn.
Fear is a normal feeling when stepping into a confrontation, but being prepared can help. I’ll share @iHollaback's 5 D’s, which are easy to remember tactics that we can all use to de-escalate a situation.
D is for Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct.
D is for Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct.
1. Distract. Take attention away from the person causing harm, the hate crime or incident survivor, or situation itself.
Just try interrupting it. Ignore the harasser and engage directly with the person who is being targeted by asking a question like, “What time is it?”
Just try interrupting it. Ignore the harasser and engage directly with the person who is being targeted by asking a question like, “What time is it?”
2. Delegate: Scan a situation to assess risk and determine how to best intervene, and delegate tasks.
Take a look at your surroundings. If you can, find someone in a position of authority, tell them about the situation and ask if they can help.
Take a look at your surroundings. If you can, find someone in a position of authority, tell them about the situation and ask if they can help.
3. Document: Support a person in crisis by recording on your phone or writing notes, but please don’t share a video without the consent of the person being harmed.
Say the date and time, and show the location if you can. Most importantly, keep a safe distance!
Say the date and time, and show the location if you can. Most importantly, keep a safe distance!
4. Delay: Check in with the survivor after the incident. This shows them that they are valued.
This is a great way to support your neighbor if you aren’t feeling confident in the moment. Ask how they're doing, if they need support or if you can help them file a report.
This is a great way to support your neighbor if you aren’t feeling confident in the moment. Ask how they're doing, if they need support or if you can help them file a report.
5. Direct: Respond directly to the aggressor or physically intervene and only after assessing the situation. Be confident, assertive, calm.
This is risky, but sometimes all we can do is speak up. If the harasser responds, try your best to focus on assisting the person targeted.
This is risky, but sometimes all we can do is speak up. If the harasser responds, try your best to focus on assisting the person targeted.
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