Sexual assault prevention focus of SAPR Stand-Down Day June 21

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley J. Thum
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth, like all Air Force bases this summer, dedicated an entire day to sexual assault prevention and response with commander's calls and individual unit activities June 21.

Prompted by a directive from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, the day included an in-depth examination of the adverse effects of sexual violence on the Air Force mission, and what can be done to stop it.

Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, began his commander's calls in the base theater by explaining the necessity of a SAPR Stand-Down Day.

"We have a day to talk about it and make sure everybody understands the impact this could have on our combat capability and the impact this is having on people that are serving in our military," Kennedy said.

Kennedy noted there are several factors - including isolation from support systems and authoritative relationships - that influence the environment Airmen work in. He added it's important for everyone to take responsibility to overcome any negative side effects of those factors and to create a true wingman culture.

During his talk, the colonel noted that Ellsworth is not immune to this type of issue.

"It's easy to say that (sexual assault) doesn't happen at Ellsworth Air Force Base," Kennedy said. "Don't fall prey to thinking we're just part of society and this is a larger problem that we don't have to solve until society does."

The colonel wasn't the only person addressing how to prevent sexual assault. Across the base, squadrons conducted smaller group sessions to discuss what each person can do to stop this crime from happening.

Senior Airman Diana Schar, 28th Comptroller Squadron resource advisor, said she learned just how devastating the "bystander effect" can be during her office's group meeting.

"It's as simple as asking `Are you okay?' when you walk down the street and see someone laying on the ground, and yet not a lot of people have the courage to do it," Schar said, referring to a scenario developed as part of the training. "I think a lot of our problems could be avoided if people would stop being so afraid of getting involved."

During his address, Kennedy emphasized that this is not a problem being solely felt by female Airmen, and that everyone from the top down must do all they can to safeguard their fellow Airmen.

"A female Airman isn't the only person who can take care of another female Airman," Kennedy said. "It's up to the male Airmen to understand that and make sure they're not building an environment or a culture that forces female Airmen into even more of an isolated situation."

Schar said she thinks having smaller focus groups was a great way to elicit more involvement and more personal opinions from everyone involved.

"It actually prompted a real discussion about sexual assault where you don't have to worry about holding your tongue in a large group," Schar noted. "Having these individual or group discussions allows others to consider different attitudes and ideas."

Kennedy stressed that although the Air Force is made up of a varied crosssection of the country, everyone is entitled to respect.

"We are brought up differently, but we all have the same core values," Kennedy said. "That's what should guide our behavior here."

Schar added there are some things that can't be completely eradicated, but raising awareness about sexual assault will go a long way toward decreasing the number of attacks.

"Simply saying 'no' isn't going to fix a breach in character, but bringing others up to speed in prevention tactics and the importance of intervention will help a great deal in our overall goal," Schar said.

Kennedy closed the events by applauding his Airmen on behalf of other leaders for their unwavering commitment to the mission and stressed the importance of creating a climate that everyone can be proud to be a part of and operate safely and effectively in.

To report sexual assault, call the SAPR Office at (605) 385-5233, or the 24/7 reporting line at (605) 385-SARC (7272).