Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

OVERVIEW Sexual Assault Definition Roles Prevention Response and Reporting The Impact of Sexual Assault Being a Good Wingman Effective Gender Relations Key Takeaways

Sexual Assault USAF Definition: - Defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Includes rape, forcible sodomy (oral or anal sex), and other unwanted sexual conduct that is aggravated, abusive, or wrongful (to include unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact), or attempts to commit these acts.

CONVICTED OFFENDERS MAY GO TO JAIL! Sexual Assault is… A CRIME! CONVICTED OFFENDERS MAY GO TO JAIL!

Questions Is rape a crime of passion? Are most rapists strangers to their victims? Do you think rape occurs when a man or woman can’t control his or her sexual desires? Do you think rape happens spontaneously or is it planned out? True or False: People cannot be raped by their spouses

Sexual Assault Truths Rape is not only about sex It is usually committed by an acquaintance Men do not “have to have” sex Alcohol is a contributor Sexual assault is often planned

Understanding Consent "Consent" is defined as words or overt acts indicating a freely given agreement to the sexual conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of non-consent through words or conduct means there is no consent.

What Consent is Not? Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the accused's use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. Consent cannot be given when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious. A current or previous dating relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the sexual conduct at issue shall not constitute consent.

Key Issues in Consent No person can give consent when… Threats/Violence Lack of mental or physical faculties Unconscious or asleep Incapacitated Coercion by person in position of authority Under Age

USAF Policies on Sexual Assault Zero tolerance for sexual assault UCMJ – Harsh penalties; including jail time The perpetrator is to blame Air Force policy is to support the victim; prosecute the offender Assault on one Airman is an assault on all Airmen

You are now an AIRMAN! Your prior views may or may not line up… But consider who you are now. You are now an AIRMAN!

Parable Act 1

SAPR 01 Video

Thoughts About Act 1?

Parable Act 2

SAPR 02 Video

Characters Laura Brandy Gina Sharon Rick Ben Jim Hank

Roles Perpetrator – assaults the victim Facilitator – enables or encourages the perpetrator Bystander – observes the situation and chooses whether to act (or not) Victim – assaulted by the perpetrator

Parable Act 3

SAPR 03 Video

Parable Act 3 Describe what happened Which characters contributed to how the events unfolded? What could the characters have done differently?

Avoid Being a Perpetrator Maintain integrity – ask and respect the answer Listen to your partner Use good judgment when you’re drinking Know that no one owes you sex

Don’t Facilitate Crime Live the Air Force Core Values Help others to live the Core Values Combat sexist jokes Support responsible drinking

Don’t Stand By Have the courage to speak up Protect those at risk Be a good wingman – Get involved

1. What do you do? You and your male friend go for a few drinks on Friday night. Later, you see him offer a drink to a female Airman, who appears drunk. She says, “No thanks.” he persists.

2. What do you do? At a party, you notice that two women came together and one left the other behind. You overhear a drunk male Airman ask if he can walk her home. You know that they just met.

Risk Reduction Strategies Clearly communicate your boundaries Assert yourself – don’t be afraid to say: NO! Be “situation smart” Use the buddy system Be careful if drinking alcohol Trust your instincts

Assertiveness Assertiveness is the ability to stand up for your rights without denying the rights of others. Assertiveness is NOT aggressiveness. Assertiveness may prevent a potential assault.

When we hear there’s been an assault… Support the victim Trust the Air Force to handle it appropriately According to the FBI, rape is no more falsely reported than any other crime Low reporting rate: 16.7% of women and 5.8% of men

Support the Victim of Sexual Assault First, address safety and medical needs Contact the SARC Listen without judging Offer to stay with the person Protect privacy and refrain from gossip

Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Victim Advocate, and Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) SARC addresses immediate and ongoing needs Victim Advocate (volunteer) provides support to the victim SVC are attorneys who provide confidential legal assistance through independent representation to victims. Confidentiality can remain intact with a SARC, Victim Advocate, and SVC

AF Confidentiality Policy: Restricted Reporting Victim can report sexual assault without automatic investigation Encourages victims to come forward for help Gives victim time, support and increased control over personal information Confidentiality can remain intact only if reported to proper resource

AF Confidentiality Policy: Restricted Reporting The following resources are available for sexual assault victims when filing a Restricted Report: SARC or SAPR Victim Advocate Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) Mental Health (e.g. Counseling) Medical (Primary Care) Chaplain DoD Safe Helpline

Air Force Policy: Restricted & Unrestricted Reporting Confidential Yes No Eligibility All personnel Law enforcement investigation Command involvement Medical exam Forensic exam Medical services Available Counseling services Victim advocate services

Common Victim Concerns Everyone handles it in their own way Emotions vary Victims may not want to tell anyone May not think of reporting Worry about career BE PRESENT AND SUPPORTIVE.

Reminders for the Victim You are not to blame You are not the only one You are a survivor Need to break the chain The Air Force supports you

Reporting Sexual Assault If you are in danger, call 911 Preserve evidence; don’t bathe Get medical attention Call the SARC; you’ll be assigned a Victim Advocate Ask for what you need It’s never too late to report

Parable Act 4

SAPR 04 Video

Parable Act 4 What is your reaction to this story thus far? Was there anything that was in conflict with the Air Force Core Values? What do you think the impact of this assault will be on this team? What could you do if there was retaliation or reprisal against Laura for reporting?

Review of Key Issues Sexual assault is a crime Consent: an adult’s voluntary, conscious agreement/approval USAF: Zero tolerance for sexual assault Four roles: perpetrator, facilitator, bystander, victim

Parable Act 5

SAPR 05 Video

The Impact of Sexual Assault How well is the group functioning together since the assault? How well are these Airmen respecting each other? Supporting each other? How does Gina seem to be impacted?

Parable Act 6

SAPR 06 Video

Parable Act 6 How did the different characters respond to Gina in this situation? What effect do you think it had on Gina? What examples did you see of disrespectful language and attitudes? What message does it send when sexist attitudes go un-checked? What else could they have done?

Parable Act 7

SAPR 07 Video

Being a Good Wingman: Prevention Why do you think Jim chose to do nothing the night of the assault? What were his challenges? What other options might he have had?

Being a Good Wingman: Prevention Why do you think Ben acts the way he does? What are his challenges? What can be done to positively influence Ben and those like him?

Being a Good Wingman: Prevention Who else played the role of passive bystander? Facilitator? What challenges and options did these characters have?

Parable Act 8

SAPR 08 Video

Effective Gender Relations: Prevention What responsibility did the male characters have? What responsibility did the female characters have? What are some of the risk factors for sexual assault? How can we all help reduce the risk of sexual assault?

Constructive Response Listen empathetically Reserve judgment Refrain from gossip Rise above idle talk Live Our Core Values

Empathetic Listening Make and maintain eye contact Avoid distractions and fidgeting Use open body language Ask questions to encourage the speaker to articulate thoughts and feelings Keep an open mind and reserve judgment Let go of the idea that you need to be right

Post-Assault Leadership Behaviors Avoid the gossip and rise above… be a leader

Post-Assault Leadership Behaviors Avoid the gossip and rise above… be a leader

Post-Assault Leadership Behaviors Avoid the gossip and rise above… be a leader

Post-Assault Leadership Behaviors Avoid the gossip and rise above… be a leader

Post-Assault Leadership Behaviors Avoid the gossip and rise above… be a leader

Post-Assault Leadership Behaviors Avoid the gossip and rise above… be a leader Rely on our Core Values

Things You Can Do Make wise choices to reduce the risk of sexual assault Communicate effectively to avoid perpetration and reduce risk of becoming a victim Ask for permission when it comes to sexual matters Remember that a person needs to be capable of giving consent Acknowledge and respect the sexual boundaries of your partner

Things You Can Do Protect your wingman by not acting as facilitators or passive bystanders In the event of an assault, exhibit sensitivity to the victim Report a sexual assault if it occurs Remember that sexual assault is never the victims fault Uphold the Air Force Core Values

SUMMARY Sexual Assault Definition Roles Prevention Response and Reporting The Impact of Sexual Assault Being a Good Wingman Effective Gender Relations Key Takeaways