JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- –
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training is experiencing a complete transformation this year, not only at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, but throughout the Air Force.
During the month of April, Langley Airmen will go through the Green Dot program to acquire skills as well as knowledge on keeping oneself safe, how to intervene and prevent sexual assault. Green Dot, which is an external program created by Dr. Dorothy Edwards, teaches individuals that they have options in confronting violence: they can be direct, they can distract or they can delegate.
"The Air Force was trying to find a program that was research-based and had shown a decrease in violence," said Senior Master Sgt. Erin Davis, 633rd Air Base Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response prevention specialist coordinator. "That's why I think the Air Force looked towards Green Dot as their new strategy for this year."
As an interactive presentation, the Green Dot training will provide everyone with the necessary tools to protect themselves and others from interpersonal violence, said Davis.
The slogan for Green Dot is, "No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something."
"The difference between these types of bystander intervention options is they allow you to do what you are most comfortable with," said Maj. Karen Lugg, 633rd Air Base Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response interim prevention specialist. "This new kind of outlook on intervention tries to understand barriers and human nature and then give people the tools that make it easier for them to actually want to do something to help."
While the training is hosted at JBLE, Davis said the knowledge and experience gained through the Green Dot improves life skills used in dealing with varying communities, age groups and genders outside of the Air Force.
"I really think that's one of the reasons why the Air Force decided to move towards Green Dot," said Davis. "It's not just about Airmen, sex, rank or grade; anyone can be affected by interpersonal violence."
For more information about the Green Dot program or to volunteer, email karen.lugg@us.af.mil or go to
www.livethegreendot.com.