Green Dot Bystander Intervention
No one has to do everything, everyone has to do something.
Green Dot creates safer colleges by inviting all members of the campus community to become allies in preventing power-based personal violence (sexual assault, domestic or dating/intimate partner violence and stalking). Using research-supported methods, Green Dot has a proven record in decreasing violence rates on campuses.
This program allows individuals to intervene in a manner that works best for them and for the situation.
Green Dot is about the choices we each make in every moment to make our communities safer through our behaviors, words, choices and attitudes.
Imagine acts of violence as red dots on a map. When nothing is done, the red dots grow and spread. However, the interventions (or 3Ds) can be seen as green dots, empowering bystanders to take action against potential power-based violence on campus.
The goal of this program is to build a culture that turns all the red dots into green dots, preventing acts of violence before they occur.
Based on social change theory, Green Dot's programming targets influential and respected individuals from across community subgroups to engage in a basic education program that equips them to integrate moments of prevention in everyday activities and relationships. By doing so, new norms will be introduced and those within their sphere of influence will be significantly influenced to move from passive agreement to active intervention.
Strategies include the 3Ds, a method that teaches individuals to respond in situations requiring both proactive behavior (doing things that will create an environment where these issues are less likely to happen) and reactive behavior (intervening when it appears that something violent could happen). If you see what is or could potentially become an act of power-based violence of any kind, check in and do a Green Dot!
Davidson offers overview sessions and trainings each semester to students, faculty and staff with the goal of creating a sense of community responsibility in the creation and maintenance of a safe campus environment.
Green Dot Overviews and Bystander Training Sessions are offered each semester and give participants the tools to become active bystanders as well as empower them to take proactive steps to create a safe community.
- Overview Session: 60-90 minutes, broad explanation of approach
- ex.) New Student Orientation Fall 2022
- Bystander Training: 3-6 hours, focus on skill-building activities and establishment of campus norms
I think the Green Dot Bystander training is important because it’s making students aware of many non-overt forms of power-based violence, while equipping students with strategies to confront them. Although I felt I knew a lot about the more obvious forms of power-based violence like domestic abuse and stalking - I still learned a lot from the program.
Everyone can take small actions that contribute to a safe campus free of power-based personal violence.
- Attend an upcoming training session
- Attend an event that raises awareness on power-based violence
- Plan a Green Dot Workshop or event on campus with a group you are a member of: faculty and staff administrative groups and committees, student organizations or faculty within a department
- Recommend a friend for an upcoming training session
- Do a Green Dot!
Green Dot is important on campus because it creates an atmosphere in which every Davidson student can recognize harmful behaviors and be good bystanders. Whether I distract, delegate, or directly get involved in a red dot situation, I know that I am keeping my fellow Davidson community safe.
Seek training on the warning signs of potential abuse or violence and respond when you see them in your classroom. Start by attending an Overview Session on campus.
Include a statement on your syllabus that expresses your support of Green Dot and intolerance of power-based violence of any kind.
Where appropriate, include topics in your class and within assignments that address prevention and intervention of partner violence, sexual assault and misconduct, stalking or bullying.
Recognize risk factors associated with violence and ensure that faculty, staff and students are provided with adequate training to respond.
Ensure adequate funding for prevention and intervention efforts.
Where appropriate, integrate references to the Green Dot initiative and the importance of violence prevention into public speeches and presentations.
Green Dot provides super relevant and important information about how to prevent sexual assault on Davidson’s campus both as an individual and as a part of larger campus organizations. Green Dot provides the opportunity for students can learn about how they can make a difference in creating a safer and more welcoming campus community, and I would encourage anyone to get involved and participate!
Keep up with our events and opportunities through the Green Dot Instagram, and reach out to our team email with questions or other ways to get involved.