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Kick-off for SAPR month sets tone of action

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Col. Kyle Kremer, 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander, signed a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Month proclamation April 1, dedicating efforts of everyone in Team Scott to prevent sexual assault and support victims.

The signing of the proclamation signifies the importance of keeping the issue of sexual assault at the forefront, because it is known to be one of the most under-reported crimes.

Kremer acknowledged the capabilities of victim advocates, specially trained representatives who assist victims, for their skills and passion in their position of helping individuals.

"I want to thank victim advocates for what they do, because they are in a volunteer position," he said. "This is something where they have given not just in the spirit of helping people, but it's from their heart, they're very much giving them a part of themselves. Because when it comes down to it, when a victim is in need, you get emotionally involved in it; it can't be helped. The passion they have for it makes such an incredible difference in the lives of those who are being affected by these traumatic events."

Victim advocates have an additional level of certification and training which better prepares them. Victim advocates come from across the base, not just the 375th AMW.
"That's really what it's all about," said Kremer, "Bringing awareness to this issue will help us try to bring the rate of incidents down to zero."

Throughout April, SAPR has planned multiple opportunities for outreach and education. The victim advocates started off after the signing by visiting as many units as possible to share what SAPR has in store for this month and how people can get involved.

Upcoming events include a 'Sex Signals' skit on April 10, 5K run/walk April 16, and 'Take Back the Night' walk with food trucks to close out the month April 30.
Victim advocates and SAPR events aren't the only way people can sense the culture that these events are trying to project. Leadership is also a vital piece to effective outreach and prevention efforts.

Pamela Dorsey, Scott AFB Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, said, "Leaders play a key role with this issue. They can either remove the barriers to reporting by establishing a climate of trust, or instill barriers by their words or actions. If the members get a sense the commander is judgmental or non-sympathetic concerning the issue, it will deter reporting."

SAPR representatives oftentimes ask "How will you break the silence?" This can apply prior to a real incident ever occurring.

"Everyone has a responsibility to intervene when inappropriate behaviors are being demonstrated or worse: someone is at risk for being assaulted. Knowing how to intervene can get tricky depending on the situation, but all should have a good working knowledge how to report harassment or assault."

Dorsey said, "We have the power individually and collectively to make a difference in this area. We should always take a stand and step in when and where we can. Sexual assault is everyone's issue."