Risk reduction: ways to play it safe

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jack Sanders
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMEDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  "People can never fully prevent sexual assault from happening to them," said Micaela Boling Sexual Assault Response Coordinator program assistant.

The Department of Defense defines sexual assault as, "intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes rape, forcible sodomy (oral or anal sex), and other unwanted sexual contact that is aggravated, abusive, or wrongful (to include unwanted and inappropriate sexual contact, or attempts to commit these acts)".

There is no magic martial arts technique or special phrase that can prevent sexual assault from taking place. There are, however, many ways for individuals to reduce their risk of becoming victims of sexual assault.

"(Sexual assault) trends at Elmendorf follow national trends pretty closely," said Mrs. Boling. "Those trends are that the majority of sexual assault (victims) knew who their perpetrator was. They were an acquaintance, a friend, a coworker, a date, or an intimate partner."

"Other national sexual assault trends are alcohol involvement, assaults occurring in private areas, and cases involving no weapons," said Mrs. Boling.

One of the easiest ways to decrease your risk of becoming a sexual assault victim is to abstain from drinking alcohol or drinking responsibly. "Know where your beverage is coming from, keep it safe," said Mrs. Boling.

A helpful hint considering that, according to the DoD's FY09 Report on Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces, one third of sexual assault cases involve alcohol.

"In the past, people who were convicted of sexual assault were interviewed and asked what they looked for in their victims. Most of the convicted offenders said they look for victims who are vulnerable," said Mrs. Boling.

When you walk confidently, speak assertively, and approach people in a demeanor that says 'I expect to be treated with respect.' That type of attitude really reduces your risk for sexual assault, said Mrs. Boling.

Just as its important to be a good wingman and practice bystander intervention when we see someone in a potentially dangerous situation, it is also a good idea to make choices that will reduce your risk for sexual assault.

"We're all responsible for the choices we make." said Mrs. Boling. "Committing sexual assault is a choice the offender makes. Sexual assault is never the victims fault."