Revitalized SAPR training urges Airmen to do their part

  • Published
  • By Maj. Carla M. Gleason
  • 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  It's not your fault."

477th Fighter Group Sexual Assault Response Coordinators Master Sgt. Jessica Mattice and Master Sgt. Bryan Vaughn had the crowd responding during a SAPR training course April 12.

April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness month across the DOD, which embarked on a robust information awareness campaign emphasizing "Know your part, do your part."
The training, which was re-vamped over the past year becoming more personal and interactive, gave attendees ideas of how to recognize the signs and symptoms of sexual assault, how to foster a safer culture within your organization and how to talk to victims in the aftermath of a sexual assault.

"We cannot understand sexual assault without making it real," said 477th Force Support Squadron Commander Lt. Col. David Kurle in his disclaimer to attendees that the new training contained emotional content.

The new 90-minute SAPR training course comes on the heels of a DOD-wide effort to eradicate sexual assault from its organization.

"Clear signs point to the progress we have made in combating sexual assault," said Gen. Larry Spencer, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. "This effort must continue without pause and we must not lose sight of it for a moment."

According to DOD statistics on SAPR.mil, over the past three years, the Air Force has had fewer sexual assault incidents and more victims reporting these crimes. Approximately one in three victims reported crimes in fiscal year 2014 as compared to one in six in fiscal year 2012. Air Force surveys show Airmen are more comfortable coming forward and reporting incidents as an increased focus is placed on care and support for victims.

"It isn't enough just to help and support the victims though," said Mattice during training. "We need to get to the source and find the violence. Then we need to stop it before it begins."

"Even popular song lyrics can carry discriminatory or misogynistic connotations," said Vaughn while he played clips of several popular songs containing just such lyrics. The intent, he said, was not to get you to stop listening to popular music, but rather to recognize when these beliefs and attitudes exist around you and how they may be affecting others. "The language you use affects others and your relationships."

In an effort to ensure the appropriate climate and culture, the Air Force Chief of Staff implemented a Health and Welfare Inspection in 2012 in an effort to refocus our force and ensure commanders create and foster healthy and respectful work environments.

"Culture is a key principle in prevention," said Mattice. "We all play a role in preventing sexual assault.

For more information and SAPR resources, click here.