JBER observes sexual assault stand-down events

  • Published
  • By Airman Ty-Rico Lea
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's 673d Air Base Wing and U.S. Army Alaska hosted a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response stand-down day across JBER June 21. The stand-down was done to address the recent rise in reported sexual assaults within the military.

The secretary of defense directed all services' active-duty members to conduct a stand-down day no later than July 1, 2013.

"The SAPR stand-down day is one of many efforts we have engaged in to fight this horrific problem," said Darmaly Williams, 673d ABW sexual assault response coordinator. "Our commitment to tackle this crime goes farther than a stand-down day. It is an everyday task that we constantly address."

Slides provided by the SAPR office, in conjunction with the 673d ABW Judge Advocate office's Special Victims' Counsel, outlined key components of how to spot signs of sexual assault and potential cases.

Sexual assault is defined as 'intentional sexual conduct, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent.'
Air Force Col. Brian Duffy, JBER and 673d ABW commander, began the day's events with a briefing regarding the history of sexual assaults.

"My belief is that this is not a new issue in our Air Force today," Duffy said. "Throughout the previous commander's calls we've held, we always made service members aware of the many dangers and ramifications of sexual assault."

The day also required Air Force and Army members to become more active in preventing potential sexual assaults. In addition to the personal trauma, sexual assault is known to jeopardize the Air Force's mission by creating a harsh environment which hinders others from performing their duties. Members were also encouraged to report any instances of sexual assault to a sexual assault response coordinator or victim advocate.

The Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program manager led similar efforts for the USARAK stand-down day.

"The Army units at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson conducted Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention training focusing on bystander intervention training," said Army 1st Lt. Letha Johnston, USARAK headquarters Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program manager. "This bystander intervention training helps our Soldiers by giving them the tools to effectively preventing acts of sexual assault and harassment."

Individuals in authority can assert their power and pressure those of a lower standing into acts that may be deemed unprofessional and distasteful. Such incidents in the past have been dealt with under the fullest extent of the law.

To help avoid these types of incidents, the SAPR office encouraged each workplace to sit down and further discuss sexual assault.

"Training and simple social interactions give us an opportunity to get the word out there and engage the community in discussions that will allow us to get the feedback we need to improve our efforts," Williams said. "Our community is a proactive one."

"It has been made clear on numerous occasions by Air Force leadership that there is zero tolerance for conduct that subjects one Airman to the unwanted sexual advances of another; whether that conduct be sexual harassment or sexual assault," said Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Harding, 673d ABW staff judge advocate. "In both instances, these actions are crimes punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and subject the offender to potential non-judicial punishment or court-martial. Those who are court-martialed and found guilty may be sentenced to serve significant jail time, be reduced in rank, forfeit a portion or all of their pay and be punitively discharged from the Air Force."
"Sexual harassment tears the very fabric of who we are," Duffy said. "Everyone deserves to be treated with respect."

Williams said she has high regards for her role as a SAPR coordinator.

"I am proud, not only to serve, but also to work with the help of beautiful people who are as dedicated and committed as I am," she said. "I also take pride in my program, which is a safe haven for victims."

At the end of the stand-down day, Air Force members were encouraged to spend the remainder of their afternoon doing team building exercises and to walk away never forgetting the lessons of helping to prevent sexual assault.

"This stand-down day is an opportunity for us to mark a new beginning in which people commit or re-commit to join us in the fight against sexual violence," Williams said. "We hope we can get to every individual and highlight our zero-tolerance policy."

The 3rd Wing and 11th Air Force are conducting their stand-down June 28.

The 477th Fighter Group will stand down during their reserve unit training assembly July 14.