Team Seymour works to prevent sexual assaults

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aubrey White
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Members of the 4th Fighter Wing came together here Dec. 10, for a commander's call to discuss the Air Force's sweeping cultural changes which support the zero tolerance policy against sexual assault.

The gathering began with a short video clip depicting real-world cases of sexual assault in the military.

Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th FW commander, focused on the human aspect of the film and how being put in these situations made the members feel.

"These men and women are so proud to have volunteered to defend our great nation, then they were sexually assaulted and it changed their lives forever," the colonel said.

According to a letter from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Mark Welsh, there will be approximately 700 reported cases of sexual assaults Air Force-wide by the end of 2012.

"The only acceptable number [of assault cases] is zero," Leavitt said. "Seven hundred cases is just appalling, and there are many more cases that are not reported."

Leavitt stated that although the base already has a robust program geared towards taking care of victims and prosecuting offenders, the 4th FW, as part of a CSAF-directed policy, is dramatically changing the culture in which Airmen work. Offensive or suggestive material that may have existed in the workplace without much resistance in the past is now being identified as inappropriate and must be removed. Doing so will create a work environment where all Airmen feel protected and secure in the foundation of our Core Values.

"I don't care if something is acceptable or desensitized in society," she said. "Inappropriate material around workspaces is offensive and we hold ourselves to a higher standard."

In order to facilitate correction of this issue, members of the 4th FW conducted health and wellness inspections to identify, document and remove any material unsuitable for the work environment. Leavitt said these inspections will continue to ensure workspaces are in line with our culture of professionalism and discipline.

"You are either part of the problem or part of the solution," Leavitt said. "I need every Airman to help ensure we have an environment of dignity, trust and respect in the 4th FW."