WIESBDADEN, Germany -- A man in the parking lot is screaming at a woman who appears to be his partner as she cowers in fear. What would you do?
Many people will answer that they would intervene, but in reality, certain factors interfere with bystanders' best intentions to get involved. That's where the Bystander Education Class comes in. Army Community Services offers this special course to Soldiers, Family members and Civilians to learn how and when to step in to a sticky social situation to prevent bullying and mistreatment of others.
"Thought processes stand in the way of intervention," explained Rolando DeLeon, sexual assault response coordinator and Bystander Education Class instructor. "In the course we help to identify those thought process and discuss methods to overcome them."
One of the biggest challenges bystanders will confront when they're attempting to intervene is not the knowing how to intervene, but failing to believe that they are supposed to. Learning which factors prevent people from doing so helps prepare bystanders to move past thoughts and into action.
"I thought the Bystander Education class was a unique way to understand how our personal bias influences our culture," said Capt. Jennifer Glover, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment commander. "Before I jump to conclusions, I try to understand the other person's view point first. I push my Soldiers to do the same."
The course was developed using input from local experts, personnel with backgrounds in teaching, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, lessons learned from past studies and several Army reports about what works and what doesn't work with this type of training.
"Every Soldier you send through this training is like a deputy that can go out there and enforce the standard. The interesting thing about it is they don't even know they are doing it, it's just what they are supposed to do," said Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Lauderback, community equal opportunity advisor, who helped develop the course. "When that becomes the standard of behavior they reinforce that behavior in their buddies, which will lead to a culture change in the Army that is truly for the better."
Although the class was originally intended for Soldiers, instructors realized it could be helpful for anyone. It's applicable to harassment at work, drinking and driving, suicide intervention, situations that could lead to sexual assault and general helping behaviors, such as carrying bags for others and checking on person who has fallen.
DeLeon said he would also recommend the class to high school seniors getting ready to head to college or enter the military.
"Becoming an intervention expert helps you develop a better understanding of who you are and your interaction with others in varying situations," DeLeon said. "Although the primary subject is intervention the class can positively impact leadership and team work skills and may help to improve interpersonal interactions."
The class is being offered April 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the ACS cafeteria. Max class size is 32 people. Although this class is being offered at ACS, organizations may also request the course be provided to them.
Social Sharing