August is Bystander Awareness Month and you have the power to help end intimate partner violence in your community. Lexington’s Social Services Green Dot program is encouraging all community members to join in the “Know How to Act” campaign to promote the power of the bystander and their role in helping to end domestic/dating violence, stalking, child abuse, elder abuse and sexual assault.
Among the events that will take place throughout the month will be “Green Dot Thursdays.” Each Thursday in August, everyone is encouraged to wear green to show their commitment to being an active bystander and ending intimate partner violence. Be sure to post a picture on social media in your green gear using the hashtags #BystanderPower, #KnowHow2Act and #BeAnActiveBystander so we can find you. Other events can be found on the Green Dot Lexington website or by following Green Dot Lexington on Facebook and Instagram.
“Creating a culture where power-based personal violence no longer exists is possible, but it takes all of us doing our part to prevent it!” said Dawn Runyon, Green Dot Lexington coordinator. “As a bystander you have the power to make a difference by choosing safety for those in harm’s way.”
Green Dot is a nationally recognized violence prevention strategy focused on harnessing the power of the bystander to reduce rates of intimate partner violence. The program offers free two-hour virtual trainings to individuals and organizations. Participants will learn to recognize abusive behaviors; identify barriers that prevent others from helping; and discover options to choose safety in the midst of potential harm.
On Saturday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m., Green Dot will hold a virtual training that is open to all community members. Register now to receive the Zoom link to the training.
Individuals who complete the training will receive a certificate and branded materials to help spread the message of Green Dot and engage others in helping to end violence. A limited number of “Be an Active Bystander” yard signs will be available upon request for training participants. The signs will also be on display in the yards of more than 100 community members who have completed prior Green Dot trainings since October 2020.
Places of worship, organizations and small minority-owned businesses that train at least 15% of their staff and leadership will receive special city-wide recognition as a “Green Dot Spot.”
To schedule the training for your team of six or more, organizations can email Dawn Runyon.
For more information, visit the Lexington Green Dot program site.
