Air Force officials focus on sexual assault

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Ann Stefanek
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Air Force Secretary Michael Donley directed a comprehensive review of the service's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program as a result of information provided by a survey of active-duty members, officials said March 16.

This survey was specifically designed to establish baseline data for addressing this serious issue and to help develop more effective programs aimed at preventing sexual assaults altogether, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz.

"We wanted the clearest possible understanding of the scope and nature of this problem," General Schwartz said. "This survey gave us a first-of-a-kind look at how sexual assaults have affected our Air Force community and informs us what we must do to better protect our people from this crime."

The ongoing efforts to enhance the Air Force's program include Secretary Donley and General Schwartz directing commanders and leaders at all levels to take advantage of the knowledge gained from the survey and increase focus to improve the Air Force's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program.

The general underscored his pledge to give every victim a voice following a sexual assault.

"We want all affected Airmen to feel empowered to report this crime," General Schwartz said. "We want them to know that we're committed to holding offenders accountable through effective investigations, knowledgeable judge advocate advice and strong unit support and leadership."

Department of Defense officials recently released its annual report on Sexual Assault in the Military, which indicated the Air Force had 585 sexual assaults reported in 2010.

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, sexual assault is one of the nation's most underreported crimes.

"I strongly encourage anyone who is affected by sexual assault to take a courageous stand and help bring perpetrators to justice," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy. "We need to stand together against these crimes."

This year's Department of Defense theme "Hurts One. Affects All" and an Air Force-specific message of "Real Wingmen Act" will reinforce the idea of acting as a team, demonstrate the value of bystander intervention and stress collective responsibility for prevention, he said. The Air Force message will be delivered through open dialogue in small groups that will help Airmen recognize behaviors and sustain a culture in which sexual assault is not tolerated.

General Schwartz stressed the criticality of fostering an atmosphere in which Airmen feel comfortable reporting sexual assaults.

"Sexual assault is a crime that violates our core values, and as an institution, we won't rest until we eliminate this criminal behavior," General Schwartz said. "Leadership is key in creating an environment of trust in which all Airmen are safe."