Bystander Intervention Training begins at Tinker Published Oct. 29, 2010 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Annual training on sexual assault prevention and response has been temporarily suspended while a new Bystander Intervention Training mandate is implemented throughout the Air Force. This new training is a strategic approach to prevention of sexual assault. Roughly 60 percent of all violent crimes in the United States are witnessed by a bystander. Unfortunately, only 10 to 15 percent of the time will that bystander intervene and help. The purpose of BIT is to provide trainees with actual skills that can help them effectively intervene and prevent a sexual assault. For many years, the focus of prevention efforts was on equipping possible victims with means to protect themselves, such as whistles, mace and self defense classes. Officials now know that these tactics aren't really useful in preventing assaults by someone known to the victim. And the vast majority (80 percent) of sexual assaults are perpetrated by an acquaintance. Registration for BIT must be accomplished online using the Virtual Wingman Community of Practice at https://afkm.wpafb.af .mil/community/views/home.aspx?Filter=OO-SG-MC-21 Under the "REGISTER Online..." on the right side, click the Bystander Intervention Training -- Leader's, Men's or Women's Module link -- for active duty and weekday classes, or click the Reserves Only! (Leader's, Men's or Women's Module link) for reserve personnel needing weekend classes. When you click on the appropriate module, you will only be able to see that module of classes' availability. To change modules, you must return to the Virtual Wingman homepage and click on the appropriate module. Read the instructions and verify you are eligible to attend this training. Any members that register who are not eligible to attend may be deleted. The requirement is for all military members -- active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command -- and civilians who supervise military members to attend this one-time, 90-minute course by June 30, 2012. For more information, call the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office at 734-9293.