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    Andersen stands down to stand up against sexual assault

    Andersen stands down to stand up against sexual assault

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Katrina Brisbin | Airmen walk past helmets placed on the track during the 2014 Sexual Assault Prevention...... read more read more

    ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM

    04.25.2014

    Story by Senior Airman Katrina Brisbin 

    36th Wing Public Affairs

    ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - Team Andersen participated in a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response stand-down day here April 25.

    The day is an annual event in response to a mandate from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel for all military services to set aside time each year to remind service members and DOD civilians of their role in eliminating sexual assault and the steps to take to foster a zero-tolerance culture.

    “Today we continued our conversation on ways to identify root causes as we work to eliminate sexual assault from our ranks,” said Brig. Gen. Steven Garland, 36th Wing commander.

    Past down days have primarily focused on helping the victim. This time, leaders strived to expand the focus beyond supporting victims to identifying and targeting offenders.

    “It is important to know that this crime would not happen if it weren’t for the heinous behaviors that caused the people to be victimized,” said 1st Lt. Diana Wong, 36th Wing Sexual Assault Response coordinator. “This stand down brings light to the shadows and guise that offenders hide behind.”

    During two wing commanders' calls, videos were shown to provide examples of how offenders think. They showed real-world instances of how offenders manipulate by isolating their victims, justify their behavior and even blame their victims. They also explained how normal social situations of meeting people at a bar, drinking and socializing can allow offenders to hide in plain sight.

    In addition, the base recognized and honored sexual assault survivors with silent walks around the base track, where helmets had been placed on the ground to signify each member of Team Andersen who has been assaulted since the SAPR program started here in 2006.

    “It was a visual representation of those who had the courage to open a report since the SAPR program was initiated,” said Wong. “The walk provided time for reflection, and also to acknowledge that there are many more that go unreported.”

    Following the silent walk, units broke down into small groups and discussed the purpose of the day, the resources available for prevention and reporting, new plans and programs within the Air Force and steps everyone can take to stop a sexual assault from occurring.

    One new process that has been implemented at Andersen is Relationships, Intervention, Strengthening and Empowering Talks. The sessions are mandatory for single females age 25 and below. Similar gender-specific talks will be held with males in the same demographic starting Fall 2014. As of now, the curriculum includes teaching about what are key components of healthy relationships, how to identify what behaviors are harmful or abusive and where they would go to find help, report, or to get out of the situation.

    “As a reminder to our victims, we are ready to help,” Garland said. “Our Air Force’s newly-established Special Victims’ Council, our SARC team, and our Volunteer Victim Advocates are available.”

    To contact the SARC or for more information on the SAPR program, call 366-SARC (7272), or visit the SAPR house on base at 1564 Marianas Boulevard.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.25.2014
    Date Posted: 05.01.2014 20:19
    Story ID: 128490
    Location: ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GU

    Web Views: 59
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN