Imagine walking into Sinclair on your first day ready and willing to start at a new school, but as soon you walk through the classroom door you see your tormentors from high school, awaiting your arrival. You begin to sit down, hands shaking, armpits sweating and someone new notices how nervous and standoffish you seem.
So what happens in this situation, do you walk out of the classroom in sheer terror, or stay in class and be nervous that something is going to happen to you?
The answer is neither, out of nowhere, the new person in your class has asked if you were okay and said that you can talk to them about anything, and they could tell that something was wrong, and offer to help guide you if that instance happens again.
All in all you feel relieved that someone asked if you were okay, inadvertently saving you from your tormentors’ rath of power based violence.
In this instance, you were afraid of your tormentors and what they could do to you again, but someone knew the warning signs of power based violence and decided to step in.
Power based violence has reared its head all across campuses around the U.S,. It includes bullying, cyberbullying, domestic violence, and all types of abuse. That’s why Green Dot provides resources on campus to help prevent these occurrences.
Green Dot aims to provide awareness for power based violence, and what to do when you are a bystander. Green Dot has succeeded in its efforts on campus by shedding a spotlight on the warning signs of power based violence, as well as highlighting awareness and involvement.
The motto of Green Dot is “No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something,” according to Matt Massie Ph.D, manager of the office of Students and Community Engagement at Sinclair.
The Green Dot is the first step in a long term all inclusive prevention program that Sinclair has on campus and within our communities such as The University of Dayton campus as well as Wright Patterson Air-Force Base.
When asked what are some of the warning signs of power based violence, Massie responded: “These instances happen at different times and differ based on the types of assault taking place, but it’s more of your inner radar telling you that’s something not right.”
Therefore, there is no exact trigger that you will know immediately, rather it’s a gut feeling that something isn’t exactly right.
In addition, when asked how does someone get over the stand and do nothing effect, Massie answered ”This is where the 3 D’s in Green Dot come in by “directing [or action], delegating [or calling someone] and distracting [by doing anything to diffuse the situation].”
By practicing the three D’s, it shows a different way to get involved when the hostile situation does occur. We can solve it in a way where both parties can benefit. Green Dot doesn’t discriminate based on race, rather it is a universal policy in efforts to keep everyone safe and aware on campus.
Green Dot can be seen on campus with the Green Dot circle, symbolizing that we are green dots or active bystanders, and we can be proactive in preventing power based violence on campus and within our communities.
Interested students can attend an event on Sept. 12, called Green Dot Day, where those involved in the program will answer any questions students may have. There will be additional Green Dot Days throughout the school year. Oct. 29, Nov. 7 and April 3 and 8, will all be Green Dot Days at Sinclair.
In addition, more intervention options are available for students in building 8.
Gabrielle Turner
Social Media Coordinator