Out of the shadows Bystander actions in gendered violence in public and private spaces

This dissertation focuses on the role of gender in bystander behavior in violent situations in both public and private spaces. Using CCTV footage from Amsterdam, I examine bystander behavior during conflicts in public space. Additionally, I investigate bystander behavior in intimate partner violence, using case files from the domestic violence agency Safe at Home [Veilig Thuis]. Employing qualitative and quantitative methods, this is investigated in four distinct chapters. Chapter 2 examines how bystanders act during conflicts in public space, analyzing differences and similarities in men’s and women’s bystander actions. Chapter 3 investigates whether the likelihood of bystander intervention is associated with the gender composition of conflict parties, and explores whether the presence of perceived intimate ties affects intervention. Chapter 4 focuses on bystanders’ reasons to report intimate partner violence to Safe at Home, considering the bystander’s gender and gender composition of the partners. Chapter 5 examines anonymous reporting of intimate partner violence to Safe at Home as a form of intervention. The results of the study show that bystander behavior during violent situations in both public and private spaces is diverse. There are some nuances in the behavior of men and women —aligning with gender expectations that individuals enact in their helping behavior—in how and where they intervene. Yet, these differences are smaller than expected based on previous literature, and intervention appears to be prevalent regardless of gender composition. To fully understand bystander behavior, it is crucial to look beyond physical intervention, consider varied forms of helping behavior, and analyze actions across different contexts.