How to Be an Active Bystander this Halloween: Safety Tips from Safeguarding Specialists

Halloween is a time for fun, fancy dress, and community spirit. But amidst the costumes and crowds, the holiday can sometimes create an atmosphere where certain individuals feel emboldened to behave inappropriately. Research from imabi, a safeguarding specialist, reveals that while 53% of people have witnessed inappropriate behaviour, only 30% would feel confident enough to intervene.*

To help keep Halloween safe and enjoyable for everyone, imabi has shared essential advice on how to be an active bystander. These tips aren’t meant to dampen the Halloween fun but are designed to empower people to step in safely if they see someone at risk.

Mark Balaam, CEO and Founder of imabi with over 30 years of experience in safeguarding, explains: “Our advice isn’t about policing harmless fun. We simply want to encourage people to look out for each other in a way that doesn’t disrupt the Halloween spirit. A small intervention can make a big difference in helping someone feel safe.”

Here are imabi’s top tips for being an active bystander this Halloween:

1. Assess the Situation

Stay observant: Before stepping in, take a moment to understand what’s happening. With costumes and pranks in abundance, it’s important to distinguish genuine intimidation from harmless Halloween fun.

Gauge the level of risk: If someone appears uncomfortable or intimidated, consider intervening, but only if there’s a real safety concern.

Prioritise safety: If the situation seems dangerous, avoid direct confrontation. Instead, contact security or the police.

2. Use the ‘Distract’ Technique

Create a light disruption: Sometimes, a subtle distraction can defuse tension. Asking for directions or making a friendly comment about a costume can shift the focus without interrupting the Halloween festivities.

Divert attention, not the fun: The aim is to make the person at risk feel safer without dampening the Halloween spirit.

3. Show Support Through Body Language

Position yourself nearby: Standing close to the person being targeted can signal to the intimidator that they’re being observed.

Make eye contact with the person targeted: This small gesture can reassure them that they’re not alone, without escalating the situation.

4. Take the Direct Approach (If Safe)

Address the situation calmly: A neutral comment like, “Are we all good here?” can remind everyone to stay respectful without stopping the fun.

Check in with the person targeted: Simply asking, “Are you okay?” can give the person at risk a chance to step away or indicate if they need help.

5. Involve Others (Strength in Numbers)

Quietly ask for support from nearby people: If you’re unsure about intervening alone, discreetly ask others for help. Halloween should be a community event where everyone feels safe.

Alert security or staff if needed: Many events have security personnel on hand. Informing them discreetly can ensure a safe resolution.

6. Document the Incident

Record evidence if safe: If a situation escalates, discreetly recording it can provide useful evidence, but only if it’s safe to do so. Remember, this is for safety—not for social media.

Report it: For incidents that occur in public spaces like rail stations, you can report them via dedicated platforms like the British Transport Police’s Railway Guardian, or imabi Guardian, which is designed to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

7. Check in with the Person Afterwards

Offer support if needed: If the situation is resolved, consider quietly checking in with the person involved. A simple “Are you okay?” can provide reassurance.

Respect their wishes: Not everyone will want to talk about it, so be mindful of their response.

8. Know When to Contact Authorities

Call the police if necessary: If a situation becomes violent or escalates significantly, call emergency services. This should always be a last resort to maintain Halloween’s positive atmosphere.

Report serious incidents: If the behaviour you witness is severe, ensure it’s reported to the proper authorities for follow-up.

9. Educate Yourself and Others

Share active bystander tips: Many people would like to help but aren’t sure how. Sharing these tips with friends can encourage more people to step in when needed.

Promote a culture of support: Fostering awareness about bystander intervention helps create a safe and friendly atmosphere where people feel comfortable looking out for each other.

10. Look After Yourself Too

Reflect afterwards: Intervening can be stressful, so take time to process what happened and talk to friends or family if you need support.

Recognise your efforts: By stepping in, you’re contributing to a safer environment for everyone. Even small gestures can make a big difference.

Halloween should be a time of joy and celebration. Being an active bystander isn’t about policing harmless fun—it’s about ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities without fear. As Mark Balaam adds, “We want everyone to feel free to celebrate and have a great time. By being thoughtful, safe, and supportive, we can make Halloween a positive experience for everyone.”

To get in touch with one of the team, please click here. 

*Data derived from a OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK residents.

By stepping up as active bystanders, we can help keep Halloween safe, enjoyable, and filled with the true spirit of community.