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Sexual assault prevention training focuses on individuals, society

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Eikren
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office recently hosted its last mass briefing for this year's annual training at Scott.

This year's training began about six months ago and was mandatory for all active duty, Guard and Reserve members. Training was also mandatory for all civilian employees this year.

"The training took a hard look at cultural influences and how each of us have individual power to impact change," said Pamela Dorsey, 375th Air Mobility Wing Sexual Assault Prevention Program Manager. "Cultural norms were evaluated to include the influence of technology, media, marketing and music and how they impact our society."

Each unit was required to hold in-house sessions where members were able to have more direct conversations about the training and discuss their perspective.

"Understanding that we each bring our socialization to the table, discussions are had to help bring to light the types of societal beliefs and norms that may impact individual behaviors," said Dorsey. "Cultural influences, our individual socialization and how society significantly impacts both is key to inspiring change."

Along with educating the base, Dorsey also gained her own knowledge from training and working with base members.

Dorsey said, "I have learned that change takes time, and although we are definitely headed in the right direction, there is still work to be done."

Dorsey isn't alone in her efforts, she works with a professional staff which includes the full-time SAPR specialist Jamie Mattice, and 40 volunteer sexual assault victim advocates.

"Victim Advocates are the arm to Sexual Assault prevention programs, because without them we really couldn't reach the amount (of people) that we do, especially on an installation this size. And they also are the ones who directly support victims of sexual assault, so, although we don't have a lot of cases per se here at Scott, the VAs really provide a lot of support in that they support the events that we have and they also support victims."

The SAPR office also welcomed a new member to their team, 1st Lt. Travis Hough, who looks to get his first experience of being a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator here at Scott.

"I am looking forward to getting a new view on the Air Force," said Hough. "I'm excited to work with this outstanding SAPR team to continue to improve the program's processes, and to work with Team Scott on educating and improving the culture to hopefully eliminate this terrible crime."

Looking to the future, the SAPR office will continue to work towards its goal of combating sexual assault.

Dorsey said, "I'm very proud. Proud to be associated with this program within the military. Within the DoD, I think we're doing great things in this work to battle against violence, sexual violence, and violence against women and men. And how we're approaching it in the military; there's no other model. I'm proud to be part of this initiative, this work within the military. And I think where we're going in the future, the civilian sectors are also going to piggy back off the work and the research that's being done in the military."