1. Weber-Morgan
  2. Engaged Bystanders

Engaged Bystanders

Engaged Bystanders

What are bystanders?

The majority of people who commit acts of mass violence exhibit concerning behaviors or communication before the attach. A bystander is anyone positioned to have awareness of risk factors or to observe warning behaviors related to a person who may look like they may be considering acting violently. Engaged bystanders are individuals who understand what concerning behaviors look like, and know how to act on those concerns.

What are engaged bystanders?

An engaged bystander is any individual who is aware of concerning behaviors and know how to act on those concerned. Some engaged bystanders have a relationship with a person that allow them to become aware of activities or behaviors that indicate an individual is on a path to violence.

Learn about Pathway Toward Violence

Who are they?

Engaged bystanders can be any number of people in a person’s immediate or social circles. These can include

  • Family & Friends
  • Community Members
  • Community Leaders & Authority Figures
    • Religious leaders, healthcare practitioners, educators, etc.

Warning signs & concerning behaviors

Some behaviors may be more noticeable for an individual who is on a pathway to violence. However, understanding the risk factors can help protect communities against action. Common warning signs and behaviors that may indicate someone is contemplating violence include:

  • Intense or escalating anger
  • Changes in behavior or appearance
  • Interest in weapons
  • Sadness, depression, or isolation
  • Interest in violence
  • Affiliations with people or groups associated with violence
  • Verbal or non-verbal threats to a target or others

These behaviors alone do not always indicate someone is on a pathway to violence, but when coupled together they can be concerning. Just as in other prevention forms, it is important to know the person you are observing. If they are not acting as they normally do, it is a good idea to check in on them.

*Factors like race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender/sex, or disability status are not concerning behaviors*

Starting a Conversation

If you have noticed warning signs or concerning behaviors in an individual you know, you can follow the following steps:

Engaged Bystander ABC’s

ASK the individual a direct and open-ended question. Examples include:

  • “I am worried about you, are you doing okay?”
  • “I have noticed you (insert a behavior or action), do you want to talk about it?”

BE interested in the individual and offer support. You can say things such as “I care about you,” “I want to help you,” and “I support you.”

CONNECT them to helpful resources.

Important: If an individual makes direct threats to a location, target, or if the situation escalates, it is best to contact law enforcement immediately.

Resources in Weber and Morgan County Communities:

  • Weber Human Services: Call 801-625-3700 for mental health and substance use treatment.,
    • Open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
    • Address: 237 26th Street Ogden, Utah 84401
  • SafeUT: provides ready to listen counselors for any sized crisis or concern. Call, chat, or submit a tip to 833-372-3388.
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat for mental health, substance abuse, and other support. Call or chat with 988.
  • YCC Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline: Supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence through safety, advocacy, and resources. Call 801-392-7273 for help.
  • Find additional resources by visiting the 211 Website from the United Way of Northern Utah or call or text 211.

Law Enforcement Support:

Additional Resources:

Bystander Intervention Tip Sheet
Calling In: A Toolkit for Becoming an Upstander (PDF. 764 KB)