SAPR training empowers wingmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley J. Thum
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  A great deal of time and resources are devoted to aiding sexual assault victims during their recovery process - but what if the focus shifted to the perpetrators?

During an annual Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training class June 10, Airmen and civilian employees were encouraged to think outside the box and hone in on what can be done to stop sexual attacks before they start.

Kelly Dominguez, 28th Bomb Wing sexual assault response coordinator and the class instructor, led participants in several animated discussions and thought-provoking activities geared toward breaking common assumptions about sexual assault.

Mandatory for all active-duty personnel and civilians who supervise military personnel, Dominguez said topics of the annual course include bystander intervention and the effects of sexual assault on individuals and unit missions.

"The training provides an opportunity for participants to increase their knowledge and awareness of sexual assault, recognize environmental dynamics that could lead to sexual assault, and develop problem-solving skills to become empowered to act," Dominguez noted.

The class represented a cross section of the base population, with men and women from several squadrons attending.

Capt. Thomas Foley, a 28th BW chaplain, said he thought the different points of view that men and women have on protecting themselves from sexual assault was important to discuss.

"I learned that most males don't think about it happening to them," Foley said. "I found it interesting that there are a small percentage of men who commit sexual assaults, but that 71 percent of those are serial offenders."

Attendees were encouraged to voice their opinions about what they envision as a common sexual assault victim and perpetrator, and also participated in a risk reduction versus prevention exercise.

"This training allows for much needed dialog and learning between personnel," Dominguez said. "It's important to get the military community talking about sexual assault and how to prevent it."

Foley said he believes education and training are the keys to changing destructive behaviors.

"The health of the entire Air Force depends on everyone being respected and feeling safe," Foley said. "It's all about people, and we need to take care of them."

Dominguez added she is happy to do her part in helping to curb the spread of this issue.

"These training sessions are important to me because they're proactive, rather than reactive," Dominguez said. "It's just one step toward the Air Force's goal of eliminating sexual assault."

At the conclusion of the class, those present took part in an interactive exercise that illustrated the healing effects of support sources during a victim's recovery process.

"Sexual assault doesn't have to be the end," Dominguez said. "There is hope."

For more information about upcoming SAPR training, call the SAPR Office at (605) 385-5233.

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