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AFDW talks about sexual harassment, assault prevention

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  In an effort to confront the increasing number of sexual misconduct cases in the military leadership at Headquarters Air Force District of Washington hosted a mandatory Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Resiliency Stand-Down day at Joint Base Andrews June 17.

The day's theme was "Accountability at All Levels," with an emphasis on the import role bystanders play in prevention.

"A problem you don't fix is a problem you condone," said Maj. Gen. Sharon K. G. Dunbar, AFDW commander. "Folks need to have the moral courage to intervene and protect others from harm."

Three Sexual Assault Prevention and Response coordinators led separate discussion groups highlighting the importance of bystander intervention. Each group discussed situations they could potentially witness and what strategies they could use to mitigate harassment or assault.

"A bystander sees the potential for sexual assault, but may not know what to do," said Torian Williams, alternate sexual assault response coordinator at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C. "What we don't want you to do is sit back and hope this is going to be alright."

Prevention is always better than prosecution.

"If it doesn't look or feel right to you, it probably seems that way to someone else," said Veronica Griffin, JBA SARC. "Imagine if that person was your family member and no one did anything; how would you feel?"

In addition to encouraging bystanders to step in when they witness a situation they feel is going to get out of hand, the speakers also stressed the importance of consent.

"Just because someone is not saying 'no' does not mean they are consenting," said Maj. Mulghetta Sium, AFDW judge advocate. "If someone is passed out, they have not given their consent."

In addition, unconsented sexual contact such as groping is considered sexual assault.

"These are serious crimes and you will be prosecuted," Sium said. "We take these cases very seriously. Once convicted, there is a lifetime of consequence. This will follow you wherever you go. There are immediate impacts to you and your family. The impacts are lasting, lifelong and harsh."

The speakers also educated the audience about some of the changes to the DOD's SAPR program during the past few years. One of the changes includes the ability of a military spouse or dependent 18 years of age and older to file a restricted report when they are a victim of sexual assault perpetrated by someone other than a spouse or intimate partner. Similar to military members, spouses and adult dependents can only make a restricted report to a SARC, a SAPR victim advocate, or healthcare personnel. This type of report does not initiate an investigation. Dependent restricted reporters are eligible for treatment in the military healthcare system and will receive access to SAPR and other installation treatment services. Adult military dependents may also file unrestricted reports of sexual assault. Unrestricted reports automatically cause an investigation and command notification, and they allow a person who has been sexually assaulted to access medical treatment and counseling.

Another change granted SARCs and victim advocates privileged communication status. This means these individuals cannot be called upon to testify in court. The knowledge they learn about an attack from a victim can remain confidential. This privilege is meant to give victims confidence that the information they share with those who are assisting them will be kept confidential unless they choose to reveal it or decide to allow it to be revealed.

In addition, under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012, victims can now request a permanent change of station move from their commander, which must be reviewed within 72 hours. An approved move would allow victims to permanently separate themselves from their offenders. This provision does not guarantee Airmen will be approved for a move if they have been assaulted, however, their request must be considered.

In addition to ensuring the audience was aware of these changes and updates, the briefers highlighted base services available to those experiencing resiliency issues.

"Resiliency and adaptability are integral to the readiness of our Airmen to meet the daily demands of Air Force missions, and life in general," Dunbar said. "Our resiliency and adaptability can vary on any given day. Leaning in to help fellow Airmen in need is the right thing to do, but it also helps us better execute our missions."

Those who are struggling with an instance of sexual harassment, sexual assault or other issue impacting their resiliency can reach out to many base supporting organizations. These include:
Chaplain: (301) 981-2111
Chaplain after duty hours: (301) 981-5058
Equal Opportunity: (240) 612-6345
Mental Health: (240) 857 - 7186
Military & Family Readiness Center: (301) 981-7087
National Suicide Hotline: (800) 784-2433
Sexual Assault Hotline: (301) 981-7272

For additional SAPR information, visit www.afdw.af.mil/library/sexualassaultinformation.asp or www.sapr.mil.