Eielson conducts SAPR stand-down day, promotes zero tolerance for sexual assault

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kirsten Wicker
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Team Eielson conducted a mandatory Sexual Assault and Prevention Response stand-down day June 21 in response to an order from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel that all military services set aside a day to inform service members and Defense Department civilians of their role in eliminating sexual assault and taking steps to foster a zero tolerance culture.

The training began with a commander's call from 354th Fighter Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Mark D. Kelly, followed by a brief fitness session and then a 2.7-mile wing run. Squadron commanders conducted commander's calls for their units across the base. Later, Icemen met in their work centers to learn about and engage in discussions on sexual assault awareness, the current issues, and future steps in eliminating cases of sexual assault in the military.

"The goal of the day was to make sure everyone understands this is a serious issue affecting our Air Force today. Top leaders have made this their priority and it's our responsibility to ensure Icemen truly understand how to overcome and defeat sexual assault," said 354th FW Sexual Assault Response Coordinator 1st Lt. Edward Ramirez.

Throughout the day, groups discussed the importance of the program, the resources available for prevention and reporting, and the steps everyone can take to stop a sexual assault from occurring. Leaders discussed definitions of consent, sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual contact, and the different ways of reporting an incident.

"This training emphasized that sexual behavior, sexual harassment and sexual assault will not be overlooked or ignored," said Daniel Jones, 354th FW SARC assistant. "Airmen at all levels, both military and civilian, will be held accountable for their conduct and behavior; and victims of these criminal acts will be treated with dignity and respect, as well as be provided the best medical and rehabilitative care available."

In January, the Air Force began taking aggressive steps to address sexual assault, implementing a Special Victim's Council for victims to receive legal representation and advocacy, and last summer, expedited transfers were made available for victims.

Among other changes, all investigations related to sexual assault are now performed by the Office of Special Investigations, and a comprehensive online access tool for evidence collection has been created, called DSAID, or Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database.

In addition, the Air Force Audit Agency is conducting a review of SARC office credentials and qualifications; all SARCs and VAs must now be credentialed through the National Organization for Victim Assistance, beginning in October.

"All civilian and military personnel received refresher training on professional responsibilities, bystander intervention, culture change, and how sexual assault impacts mission readiness," Ramirez said.

Victims of sexual assault have two reporting options available to them. A restricted report is an option for all military members and their dependents over the age of 18. This type of report provides resources for healing, and allows an examination to be conducted with the evidence preserved, but the incident remains confidential and is not reported for investigation unless the victim decides to go forward with an unrestricted report.

"It's important to keep in mind that victims lose the ability to make a restricted report if their (or their sponsor's) chain of command or law enforcement is made aware of the incident," Ramirez said. "Victims must contact the SARC office or a medical provider directly if they want to maintain the ability to make a restricted report."

An unrestricted report is any report which triggers an investigation into allegations of sexual assault, and is made through normal reporting channels such as a victim's supervisor, first sergeant or commander, law enforcement agency, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations or any other investigative service. If service members elect to file an unrestricted report, those in the member's chain of command who have a "need to know" are the only people who are informed of the case.

Eielson's SARC office and SARC victim advocate volunteers, are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to incidents. They can be contacted by calling 377-7208 or the SARC hotline at 377-7272.