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The U.S. Air Force released is annual sexual assault report on May 1 for the year of 2016.
There were 1,355 reports of sexual assault in fiscal year 2016, compared to 1,312 the previous year. While overall numbers increased, the numbers at Altus Air Force base have been consistent for the past several years.
“There were a total of six in the calendar year,” said Matthew Odell, 97th Air Mobility Wing sexual assault response coordinator. “It is pretty flat because our numbers are staying about the same. The Air Force average for the past three years have been around the same.”
One risk factor for sexual assault is alcohol, which helps to create the environment where sexual assault happens, said Odell. Another factor to be aware of is age. The age group of 18-21 year olds are at more risk for being victims of sexual assault.
To help combat sexual assault, the Air Force is using Green Dot training to teach Airmen how to intervene in a potentially dangerous situation.
"It's about trust,” said U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein. “The crime of sexual assault shatters trust and has a direct and negative impact on our capabilities as a warfighting force. In my opinion, there is no such thing as a bystander in this fight. We are all in. From the newest Airman to the most senior leader, every one of us has a responsibility to step forward and help stop sexual assault before it happens."
Altus lost victim advocates to recent deployments, however in April, 10 new victim advocates were trained and are awaiting credentials to bolster the four advocates that are currently here.
“The Air Force still knows that sexual assault’s a problem in our ranks,” said Odell. “That’s why the program is going to continue to have changes in it. It takes every person to make a culture change to eliminate sexual assault. A lot of change has happened since the Air Force started this campaign to eliminate sexual assault but we still have a long ways to go.”
Airmen are held to a high standard, both on and off duty, and sexual assault has no place in the armed forces.
"We must continue to drive a culture of prevention while ensuring victims readily come forward and report sexual assault,” said Lisa Disbrow , Acting Secretary of the Air Force. “We must also be an Air Force that provides the care and support victims need while holding offenders accountable."
To make a restricted report, victims can contact the Sexual Assault Prevention and Responce office, Victim Advocates, Base Chaplain or their primary care personnel. To make a report after-hours, please call (580) 649-0656.
This story was made with the help of an Air Force Press Release.
| Date Taken: | 05.12.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2017 11:33 |
| Story ID: | 233638 |
| Location: | ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, OK, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Combating Sexual Assault, by SrA Jackson Haddon, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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