Reference no: EM133273080

Bystander effect is defined as the influence of others or the willingness to help someone that is in need. According to researchers, in situations when individuals are in an emergency a bystander most likely will not help a person who needs help when he or she is alone. In more dept, the bystander effect states bystander apathy. The bystander effect studies shows that socially, an individual's likelihood to help someone who is in need decreases when witnessing bystanders are present in an emergency. Researchers also discovered that the bystander's gender also play a main factor. For example, a male bystander would more likely move quicker to assist someone in an emergency rather than a female. Not to say that a female is not capable of helping someone that is involved in a tough situation, it is more of a bravery action. Knowing a perpetrator also is an obstacle regarding an attempt to help when the bystander knows the victim or the perpetrator.

Furthermore, bystander effect prevention programs are available for those who may need the help with victims and perpetrator. Training is available for different genders that directly address the relationship between the bystander and the victim and perpetrator. One example of a bystander effect in real life was a young woman by the name of Kitty Genovese. She was murdered in Queens, New York, in 1964. Neighbors looked and watched the murder take place. No one helped, no one intervened until the young lady was dead. This was far too late. Below are some steps to take to help yourself if you are in a situation where you can help someone that is in danger. Notice the event, know what the situation and the emergency, assume responsibility, know what you should do, make a firm decision if you should help and the danger that may come along.