Abstract
Situations of sexual violence involve three key components: the presence of a vulnerable victim, a motivated perpetrator and often third parties (bystanders). Bystanders are witnesses we become aware of what is unfolding and who step in to do something about it, or who alternatively actively or passively facilitate the perpetrator’s behaviour, or do nothing about it (Schwartz et al., 2001; also note the application of this conceptualisation to the prevention of technology-facilitated sexual violence, Henry & Powell, this volume). Third parties frequently witness sexual assaults. For example, Planty (2002) found that someone in addition to the perpetrator and victim was present in nearly one-third of sexual assaults. Who are these bystanders? What predicts their choices to intervene proactively (or not) in situations of sexual violence? And what role do they have in preventing sexual violence?