Training aimed at bystanders Published April 23, 2010 By Monica Mendoza 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- There is a growing amount of research by sociologists and psychologists that says bystander intervention is one of the best ways to prevent sexual violence, Peterson's sexual assault response coordinator said. "Violence education prevention experts are realizing that (bystander intervention) is our best hope for prevention," said Jeanine Arnold, Peterson's SARC. This year, all Airmen and Department of Defense employees are taking bystander intervention training, a 90-minute course designed to get Airmen thinking about what they might do if they witnessed a sexual assault or saw signs that might lead to an attack. BIT is provided in lieu of annual sexual assault prevention and response training and all Air Force members must complete the training by June 2012. "This training is a critical component to the SAPR program and will help provide intervention strategies to motivate and mobilize Airmen who see, hear, or otherwise recognize signs of an inappropriate or unsafe situation that may lead to a sexual assault," said Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st Space Wing commander. In BIT, Airmen talk about possible scenarios and what it means to be a bystander. The presence of a bystander makes a completed rape 44 percent less likely to happen, said Karen Izdepski, Peterson's SARC assistant. But, people still need to look out for signs, like an intoxicated person being pulled out of a bar by another person or an intoxicated person being urged to drink more by someone who is not looking out for them. "No one is going to wave a red flag and announce they intend to commit a sexual assault," Ms. Izdepski said. "Each of these situations, and many others, are opportunities for us to intervene and possibly stop an assault from occurring." People often do not intervene because of fear of conflict, Ms. Arnold said. In BIT, Airmen discuss creative ways to intervene without creating conflict and they also talk about those scenarios when it becomes necessary to confront a potential abuser. There are other options too, like telling the bartender, bouncer or calling police. There is no right or wrong way to intervene, Ms. Arnold said. "It's complicated and the area is gray," she said. "Research shows that even if we talk about it, we are more likely to intervene because we have thought through the options." For more information on Sexual Assault Response and Prevention call 556-6972. To talk to a SARC or report an assault call the 24-hour-hot line 556-7272. To register for a BIT, go to https://eis.afspc.af.mil/unit/21sw/home/WingStaff/SAPR/default.aspx.