Sexual Assault Prevention and Response I

Parable Act One

Overview Prevention Response Sexual Assault Definition Roles & Relationships Response Victim Sensitivity Reporting

What is Sexual Assault USAF Definition Sexual assault is a crime. Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commit these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of victim.

SEXUAL ASSAULT IS A CRIME. CONVICTED OFFENDERS MAY GO TO JAIL.

Sexual Assault Truths Rape is not only about sex It is usually committed by an acquaintance Men do not “have to have” sex Alcohol is a contributor Sexual assault is often planned

What is Consent? USAF Definition “Consent” shall not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the victim to offer physical resistance. Consent is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, coercion or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious.

Key Issues in Consent No person can give consent when… Threats / Violence Lack of mental or physical faculties Unconscious / Asleep Incapacitated Coercion Age

USAF: Zero Tolerance Sexual Assault is a crime. It goes against our Core Values. Air Force Core Values Integrity First Service Before Self Excellence In All We Do

Consider who you are now. Consider who you were in high school and in your life before you came here. Consider who you are now. You are now an Airman!

USAF Policies on Sexual Assault Zero tolerance for sexual assault UCMJ – harsh penalties; including jail time The perpetrator is to blame Air Force policy is to support the victim; prosecute the offender Assault on one Airman is an assault on all Airmen

Parable Act Two

Characters Laura Brandy Gina Sharon Rick Ben Jim Hank

Roles Perpetrator – assaults the victim Facilitator – enables or encourages the perpetrator Bystander – observes the situation and chooses whether to act (or not) Victim – assaulted by the perpetrator

Avoid Perpetration Practice “integrity first:” ask for permission and respect the answer Practice “service before self” Listen to your partner Use good judgment when you’re drinking Know that no one owes you sex

Don’t facilitate crime Live the Air Force Core Values Help others to live the Core Values Combat sexist jokes Support responsible drinking

Don’t stand by Live the Air Force Core Values Help others to live the Core Values Have the courage to speak up Protect those at risk Be a good wingman – Get involved

Risk Reduction Strategies Clearly communicate your boundaries Assert yourself – don’t be afraid to say: NO! Be “situation smart” Use the buddy system Be careful if drinking alcohol Trust your instincts

USAF Core Values and You The Air Force stands on its Core Values, and you are the Air Force Sexual assault is a crime, and the Air Force has no room for criminals Protect your wingman Where do your loyalties lie when your wingman does not act with integrity?

When we hear there’s been an assault… Rape is no more falsely reported than any other crime; according to the FBI (some studies indicate less than 5 percent) Support the victim Trust the Air Force to handle it appropriately

1. What do you do? You and your male friend go for a few drinks on Friday night. Later, you see him offer a drink to a female Airman, who appears drunk. She says, “No thanks.” He persists.

2. What do you do? At a party, you notice that two women came together and one left the other behind. You overhear a drunk male Airman ask if he can walk her home. You know that they just met.

Parable Act Three

Parable Act Three Describe what happened. Which characters contributed to how the events unfolded? What could the characters have done differently?

Message from Former AETC/CC

Support the Victim of Sexual Assault First, address safety and medical needs Contact the SARC Listen without judging Offer to stay with the person Protect privacy and refrain from gossip

Common Victim Concerns Everyone handles it in their own way Emotions vary Victims may not want to tell anyone May not think of reporting Worry about career BE PRESENT AND SUPPORTIVE.

Reminders for the Victim You are not to blame You are not the only one You are a survivor Need to break the chain The Air Force supports you

AF Confidentiality Policy: Restricted Reporting Victim can report sexual assault without automatic investigation Confidentiality can remain intact only if reported to the SARC or to a health care provider on the military installation (not if reported through the chain of command) Encourages victims to come forward for help Gives victim time, support and increased control over personal information

Air Force Policy: Restricted & Unrestricted Reporting Confidential Yes (with exceptions) No Eligibility Active duty military only All personnel Law enforcement investigation Yes Command involvement Medical exam Forensic exam Medical services Available Counseling services Victim advocate services

Reporting Sexual Assault What to do If you are in danger, call 911 Preserve evidence - don’t bathe Get medical attention Call the SARC; you’ll be assigned a Victim Advocate Ask for what you need It’s never too late to report

Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and Victim Advocate SARC addresses immediate and ongoing needs Victim Advocate (volunteer) provides support to the victim Confidentiality can remain intact with a SARC and a Victim Advocate

Parable Act Four

Parable Act Four What is your reaction to this story? Was there anything that was in conflict with the Air Force Core Values? What do you think the impact of this assault will be on this team?

SUMMARY Prevention Response Sexual Assault Definition Roles & Relationships Response Victim Sensitivity Reporting