Steps that set expectations for safety, such as:
- Talking with a friend about consent and respect
- Wearing or displaying Green Dot materials
- Sharing messages—online or in person— that reinforce a culture of care
Green Dot – Bystander Intervention
Green Dot is PennWest’s commitment to building a safer, more inclusive community. The program focuses on reducing power‑based personal violence—including dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking—by giving every member of our university community the skills to notice, interpret, and respond to situations that could lead to harm.
Green Dot is grounded in shared responsibility. When we learn what to look for and how to step in safely, we create a campus where people feel supported, valued, and protected.
What Is Green Dot?
Green Dot is available to all students, faculty, staff, and neighbors connected to PennWest. Through training, education, and everyday action, we encourage people to speak up, check in, and help one another.
Understanding the Problem and the Solution
The Problem: Red Dots
A “red dot” represents a harmful action or a situation where someone misuses power. Imagine if every time a harmful action takes place on campus, a red dot shows up. When red dots go unchallenged, they accumulate and shape a culture where violence feels normal or inevitable.
The Solution: Green Dots
A “green dot” is any action—large or small—that helps prevent harm or reduces the impact of a dangerous situation. When we choose to act, we make it clear that interpersonal violence is not acceptable at PennWest. Over time, these choices strengthen a culture built on safety, respect, and care.
How You Can Act
Green Dots are actions against violence or harm that express care and compassion for others. Green Dots fall into two categories:
Proactive Actions
Proactive actions help prevent violence before it occurs. These efforts shape expectations and make it clear that our community looks out for one another.
Reactive Actions
Reactive actions are steps taken in the moment when something doesn’t feel right. Even small interventions can shift the outcome.
Steps you can take when something feels wrong:
- Direct: Action you take yourself. For example: ask the person causing harm to stop, or check in with someone you are worried about.
- Delegate: Get help from someone else. For example: involve a friend, faculty member, CA, or other support.
- Distract: Cause a distraction. For example: Interrupt the situation to give someone space or a way out.
Contact Us
Have questions about Green Dot? Contact our team at compliance@pennwest.edu.
Green Dot Skill Building
Learn how to support others and respond with confidence when a situation feels off. Green Dot training is open to all PennWest students, faculty, and staff.