Establishing a Culture of Responsible Choices Sexual Assault

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Establishing a Culture of Responsible Choices
Sexual Assault

• Claudia Bayliff
• Chief, Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention
  Response

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Sexual Assault

• Sexual assault is criminal conduct. It falls
  well short of the standards America expects of
  its men and women in uniform.
• Sexual assault violates Air Force Core Values.
  Inherent in our Core Values is respect
  self-respect, mutual respect, and respect for our
  Air Force as an institution.
• Incidents of sexual assault corrode the very
  fabric of our Wingman culture?a culture in which
  we look out for each other and take care of each
  other therefore, we must strive for an
  environment where this type of behavior is not
  tolerated and where all Airmen are respected.

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Sexual Assault Defined

• 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.
• 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.
• The above definition of sexual assault has been
  directed by DoD and is for training and
  educational purposes only. This definition does
  not affect in any way the definition of any
  offenses under the Uniform Code of Military
  Justice. Commanders are encouraged to consult
  with their Staff Judge Advocate for complete
  understanding of this definition in relation to
  the UCMJ.

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Responsible Choices

• Things you can do to prevent sexual assaults
• Approach sexual assault as every Airmans issue
• Practice responsible use of alcohol
• Irresponsible drinking is a factor in over 50 of
  sexual assaults
• Alcohol is the most commonly used drug to
  facilitate sexual assault
• Challenge verbal, physical and sexual
  inappropriateness that can contribute to a
  climate that allows for sexual assault
• Dont stand by when you observe warning signs of
  potential sexual assault
• It is your responsibility to get involved and
  encourage others to get involved to protect your
  fellow Airmen

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Responsible Choices

• Things you can do to prevent sexual assaults
  (continued)
• If a wingman is abusive to someone, get involved
• Question your own attitudes
• Listen empathically and ask if you can help
• Support sexual assault prevention
• Don't fund sexism
• Mentor young Airmen and other young people
• Ask the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
  (SARC) for help

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Resources Available

• Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
  (SARC)
• Reporting directly to the installation Vice
  Commander, the SARC implements and manages the
  installation level Sexual Assault Prevention and
  Response (SAPR) programs.
• The SARC assists commanders in meeting annual
  SAPR training requirements, including newcomer
  and orientation briefings and provides victim
  care and community education on SAPR services.
• Victim Advocate (VA)
• VAs provide essential support, liaison services
  and care to the victim. Responsibilities include
  providing crisis intervention, referral and
  ongoing non-clinical support, including
  information on available options and resources to
  assist the victim in making informed decisions
  about the case.
• VAs may accompany the victim, at the victims
  request, during investigative interviews and
  medical examinations.

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Resources Available

• Prevention and Response for the Deployed
  Environment
• Trained military SARCs are identified for AEF
  rotation to the CENTAF designated Air
  Expeditionary Wings
• Commanders of AF Forces deployed to locations
  outside the CENTAF AOR must provide a sexual
  assault response capability
• In accordance with DoD policy, deploying members
  will receive training on sexual assault issues
• Training
• Targeting Sexual Assault AF Campaign Plan for
  Prevention and Response
• Mandatory for military and all AF civilians not
  covered by collective bargaining agreements
  highly recommended for all others
• Mandatory Annual Training
• Accession Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
  (SAPR) Training
• Mandatory at accession points
• First PME / Assignment SAPR Training
• Mandatory at FTAC and ASBC

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Reporting Sexual Assault

• Restricted Reporting
• Enables military members to report allegations of
  sexual assault to SARCs and/or healthcare
  providers, without triggering an investigation.
• This reporting option gives the individual access
  to medical care, counseling and a victim advocate
  but does not initiate the investigative process.
• There are certain exceptions that may apply.
• Unrestricted Reporting
• Any report of a sexual assault made through
  normal reporting channels, including the victims
  chain of command, law enforcement, and the AFOSI
  or other criminal investigative service is
  considered an unrestricted report.
• A report made to a SARC or healthcare provider
  where the individual does not elect restricted
  reporting, is considered an unrestricted report.
• The SARC will be notified of any unrestricted
  report and will assign a VA to the individual.
  Details of the allegation will be provided only
  to those personnel who have a legitimate need to
  know.

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Spread The Word

• Sexual Assault Prevention and Response should be
  addressed in numerous venues/mediums, to include
• Commanders Call
• Feedback sessions
• Core Values training plans
• Wingman Day
• Newcomer and orientation briefings
• Base paper
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April)
• Displays around base / Community education
• Staff meetings
• CC-requested SARC briefings for unit members
• Educational handouts
• SARC-approved videos
• PME