It's none of my business...or is it? Published Dec. 3, 2008 By Bernie Roy 4th Fighter Wing Sexual Assult Prevention and Response SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (ACCNS) -- We've all watched the news clips where people are standing around watching as someone is victimized by a criminal event or emergency situation. Most of the bystanders did nothing to intervene in the situation and have continued walking or driving with seemingly no regard for the victim. What thoughts are racing through their minds? It's none of my business, or, I'm sure someone else will stop and help. They glance around at the reaction of other people witnessing the same situation, and when they see that no one is getting involved they determine that their involvement is either not necessary, unwanted or that a more qualified person will step in to help. This is known as the bystander effect phenomena. In the Air Force, a type of intervention training has been applied to the Sexual Assault and Response Program. Educating our Airmen to step in and act (also referred to as being a pro-social bystander) when they become aware of a situation, can result in a positive impact on the outcome of the situation. The following is a scenario the Air Force uses in the training: You and some friends are at the club on a Friday night. When you come in you notice a female Airman at the bar sitting alone. A bit later in the evening, you notice her now sitting with a man who keeps moving closer to her and buying her drinks. She looks uncomfortable and keeps moving her chair a bit further back while looking around the bar. Moments later, you notice that she stands up and tries to walk away. He follows her and puts his arm on the wall to talk to her further but it looks like she is cornered. Would you be a leader and intervene in this situation or would you walk away?