The innocent bystander can become responsible once standing by becomes a choice with consequences.

Standing still stops being neutral once you understand what is happening and could act. Before that, you were simply present; after, your stillness is a decision with effects, and calling yourself a bystander no longer describes your position accurately. Knowledge converts presence into participation.

This is worth thinking about before you are in the moment, because in the moment the pull towards it is not my business is very strong. Decide in advance what you would want to do if you saw someone treated badly at work or in public. Even a small intervention, a question, a word to the person afterwards, counts, and having decided beforehand is what makes it possible.