I recently returned from my environmental exchange at the Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence (CRIV) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted by Dr. Dominic Parrott. This opportunity provided an up-close look at the extensive work being done in the US on bystander interventions to prevent sexual assault among young people.
Over the past 15 years, American researchers have built an impressive knowledge base around bystander interventions, refining both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. My goal for the visit was to explore how Denmark can benefit from this expertise and apply it to my PhD project, which focuses on informing the design and implementation of bystander interventions to prevent sexual assault among Danish youth. If you are curious about my project’s background, check out my previous blog post, “Empowering Youth Through Bystander Intervention: A Promising Strategy Against Sexual Assault” (August 8, 2024).
The visit did not disappoint. I have returned with fresh ideas, insights, and an even stronger appreciation for the value of international collaboration and intercultural exchange. This kind of knowledge-sharing benefits not just researchers but entire fields by opening doors to new perspectives and creative solutions.
Two key takeaways from my time at CRIV stand out. First, the U.S. is pioneering in using innovative approaches to bystander intervention, particularly through the integration of virtual reality (VR) and other digital tools. These technologies are being used to create immersive, engaging scenarios for research and training purposes—an approach that feels futuristic compared to what is currently being done in Denmark. Second, the exchange worked in both directions. During my presentation at CRIV, I shared insights about my project as well as Denmark’s unique cultural and legal landscape, including our early alcohol debut among youth, the recent implementation of a consent law, and the structure of our school system, where sexual education has only recently become mandatory in high schools. These elements sparked productive discussions and inspired researchers at CRIV to reflect on how such factors might inform their own work.
While I returned home feeling that Denmark and the Nordic countries have some catching up to do regarding bystander interventions for sexual assault specifically, I also left with a newfound appreciation for what we are doing right. Our implementation of a consent-based law is a powerful example of progressive policymaking that could inspire other nations. Additionally, our school systems’ focus on fostering open dialogue, trust and close relationships between students and educators might offer potential for addressing sensitive topics like sexual consent. This approach could also support the implementation of bystander intervention programs that emphasize the importance of everyone being each other’s allies.
This visit reminded me of the importance of not only learning from others but also recognizing and sharing our own strengths. Cultural and professional exchanges like these underscores how much we can gain from collaboration—not only in terms of advancing research but also by challenging each other to think differently and creatively. These experiences have strengthened my belief that progress happens when we break out of our silos and embrace the opportunities that come with intercultural connections.
About the author:
Terese Hartmann is a PhD student at the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at Aarhus University in Denmark.
Her PhD project is titled “Mobilizing Bystander Interventions to Prevent Sexual Assault Among Danish Upper Secondary Students: A Mixed-Methods Project Exploring Opportunities, Barriers, and Preliminary Effects”. The project combines quantitative and qualitative methods aimed at gathering practical knowledge that can form a foundation for evidence-based prevention of sexual assault and harassment among young people. Final results are expected towards the end of 2025.
