Bystander Intervention: Green Dot

At Saint Mary's College, we are choosing to help prevent violence from occurring by creating an environment of awareness and partnership, where we all look out for one another. With collective change and determination we can shift our culture away from violence and towards one of alliance and advocacy for active bystander intervention. 

Attend a Green Dot Bystander Intervention Overview: Are you interested in being more involved in Green Dot at SMC?  Consider attending a Green Dot Overview or requesting one on behalf of your group/club/department.  The overviews are designed to give you the skills you need in order to do green dots in your everyday life. You will learn to recognize Red Dot behavior and know what Reactive and Proactive Green Dots are and how they can make a difference here at SMC. If you are interested in attending or requesting an overview please email the Green Dot Team at mag7@stmarys-ca.edu.

Green Dot Program General Information

Use the 3 D's: Direct, Delegate, and Distract!

Direct: Do something yourself (like ask someone to stop what they're doing, or check on someone you might be worried about).

Delegate: If you can't do something yourself because of your barriers, ask friends to help, talk to a trusted RA, a coach, a faculty or staff member, or a trusted peer. Tell the bartender to check in or a family friend. Leave an anonymous note for the coach, staff member, etc.

Distract: If you don't want to address the situation directly or even acknowledge that you see it, try to think of a distraction that will diffuse the situation or calm things down in the moment. One distraction might be "accidently" spilling a drink; asking to borrow the phone of someone who is in a risky situation; asking for a ride or starting an unrelated conversation. 

Green Dots for Everyone

• Believe that rape, abuse, and stalking are unacceptable and say it out loud.
• Have conversations about ending violence with your friends and family.
• Wear green dot gear.
• Add "green dot supporter" to your e-mail signature.
• Get someone else to intervene if you can't.
• Be a knowledgeable resource for victims.
• Attend violence prevention events.
• Make a contribution or volunteer for your local service provider.
• Check in with your friends if you are concerned about their safety and get them connected to campus resources for help..

Green Dots for Faculty

• Get training on the warning signs of potential abuse or violence, and respond when you see them.
• Include a statement on your course syllabus that expresses support for victims of violence and intolerance of all forms of violence.
• Where appropriate, bring educational programming on interpersonal violence to your classes.
• Where appropriate, include topics in your classes that address prevention and intervention of partner violence, sexual assault, stalking and bullying.
• Make it clear to your students that if they are dealing with violence, you are a safe person to approach for support and referrals.
• Become familiar with campus and community resources, and make referrals if needed.
• Consider conducting research that furthers our understanding of violence prevention.
• Assign readings or papers or journal topics on the issue of power-based personal violence.
• Talk with faculty colleagues about the importance of prevention.

Green Dots for Staff/Administrators

• Recognize risk factors associated with violence and ensure that faculty, staff and students are provided with adequate policy and training to respond.
• Ensure adequate funding for prevention and intervention efforts.
• Talk with colleagues about your personal commitment to violence prevention and Green Dot.
• Integrate references to the Green Dot initiative and the importance of violence prevention into speeches and public addresses.
• Educate yourself and your staff about sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking and abuse.
• Bring Green Dot training to your next staff meeting or in-service.
• Ensure that you have effective policies in place to assure safety in the workplace and support victims of violence.