Do One Thing: UTEP Works to Promote Student Safety
The University of Texas at El Paso Bystander Program – DOT (Do One Thing)
It only takes one person doing one thing to help prevent campus violence. The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to preventing power-based violence…sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, and rape. DOT (Do One Thing) is the University’s strategy of intervention, education, and awareness to help our community be involved in preventing these types of violent acts. Individuals acting in that moment are the key to this effort. This effort subscribes to the concepts of intervention espoused by DOT, an organization that trains universities and other groups nationwide, including the military.
A large part of the UTEP effort is through presentations and training offered throughout the year. From 60 minutes Overviews of Bystander Intervention to all-day training, we are committed to educating the university on the issue of Bystander Intervention and giving the community tools to identify and address personal, power-based violence if they encounter it.
The exposure of these types of campus violence is more prevalent in our national news, and the Presidential agenda to reduce sexual assault on college campuses has focused the spotlight on this issue.
Why a Green Dot? Imagine a map of campus, and on this map are red dots…each one representing an act of violence/intimidation/ coercion against someone in the community. Then imagine each of those red dots being covered by a green dot. Green Dots can be reactive or proactive. Each green dot represents an individual who stepped in (a “Bystander”) and helped prevent a violent act (a reactive green dot) as it was occurring. Or, a green dot may represent an educational program that teaches the community about campus violence, and because of this education, a violent act was averted (a proactive green dot). What will your green dot(s) be?
The University of Texas System – Bystander Intervention Initiative
In August 2014, the UT System Board of Regents approved 1.4 million dollars of funding for a bystander intervention initiative that all academic institutions in the UT System will carry out. Each educational institution has been tasked with creating its own bystander intervention that is uniquely tailored to its institutions’ culture, needs, and resources.
The UT System bystander intervention initiative aims to unite all UT schools toward creating a safer, more inclusive environment.
In January 2015, representatives from all UT System academic institutions came together to share knowledge and best practices. The schools identified a standard definition and action steps for their bystander intervention initiatives.
The UT System “Steps to Bystander Intervention” are: 1) Recognize potential harm, 2) Choose to respond, 3) Take action.
Recognize => Choose => ACT
Request a DOT Presentation TODAY!
Thank you for those that attended April 5th. training. Do One Thing (DOT) Bystander Intervention Student Training coming in October 2025 please stay tuned.
If you need ADA-related or special accommodations, please contact CARE at (915)747-7452 or careoutreach@utep.edu two weeks prior to the event date. Thank you.