What does the duty to intervene refer to?

The duty to intervene refers specifically to the obligation of an individual, often in a position of authority or responsibility, to take action in order to prevent or stop misconduct. This concept is particularly important in fields such as law enforcement, healthcare, and various professional environments where ethical standards are upheld. When individuals witness unethical behavior or actions that could cause harm, the duty to intervene mandates that they actively work to address the situation rather than remaining passive or allowing it to continue.

This obligation reinforces the idea that individuals have a responsibility not only to follow the law or ethical guidelines themselves but also to ensure that others do so. By intervening, individuals help maintain a culture of accountability and integrity within their organization or community. It empowers witnesses of wrongdoing to act, rather than simply observing or reporting misconduct after it occurs.