ALCOAST 120/24 - MAR 2024 BYSTANDER INTERVENTION TRAINING (BIT)

R 121653Z MAR 24   MID600117254757U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 120/24
SSIC 1754
SUBJ: BYSTANDER INTERVENTION TRAINING (BIT)
A. Commandant's Directed Actions - Accountability and Transparency
dtd 27NOV23
1. Command Call to Action. Commands are highly encouraged to
schedule BIT for their units at the earliest opportunity.
Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery (SAPRR)
is a Commander's program, and prevention of harmful behaviors
is the Coast Guard's moral and ethical requirement. Your
leadership and involvement matter.
2. BIT can empower the total workforce to step up and act to stop
harmful behaviors and boundary violations before they lead to a
sexual assault. BIT engages all members of the command, promotes
informed care for our shipmates, and provides actionable skills
aimed at preventing sexual assault and harassment. Furthermore,
BIT offers a framework for purposeful discussions about pro-social
behaviors that maintain a healthy unit climate.
3. BIT is most effective when conducted in person, though it may be
facilitated virtually using Teams. All Sexual Assault Response
Coordinators (SARCs) and Victim Advocate Program Specialists (VAPSs)
are authorized to teach BIT.
4. Ideally, command teams would introduce the trainer, explain why
BIT is important for all members, and share their commitment to
support those who have been victimized. Commands should then exit
the training so that members may speak freely without fear of
repercussions from their statements.
5. Scheduling BIT should be a coordinated effort across geographic
areas and unit types, maximizing content delivery, but remaining
mindful that larger class sizes impact the effectiveness of
training. Commands may contact their SARC to schedule training.
6. Funding remains available to conduct BIT throughout this
fiscal year.
7. A list of SAPRR personnel may be found online at the below link
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant
-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Sexual-
Assault-Prevention-Response-and-Recovery-Program/SAPRR-Contacts/

8. POC: Michelle A. Underwood, SAPRR Program Manager, COMDT
(CG-1K41).
9. General questions regarding SAPRR policy should be sent to
SAPRR-Guidance@uscg.mil.
10. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety,
and Work-Life (CG-1K), sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.