Training can prevent sexual assaults Published Aug. 20, 2009 By Bernadine Roy Sexual Assault Response Coordinator assistant SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Hearing the words "sexual assault" triggers different reactions in people. Some are embarrassed by just hearing the phrase. For a victim, it may bring back uncomfortable feelings and can trigger a panic attack. Healthcare providers, law enforcement and others who respond to sexual assaults may go into a "mode" to perform the job they were trained to do. Others never touched by sexual assault may think of this as an act committed by a guy in a ski mask who jumps out of the bushes wielding a knife and brutally attacking a young woman. A commander or first sergeant's reaction may differ depending on if the alleged perpetrator or the victim is assigned to their squadron. This can be further complicated if both are assigned to their squadron. The Air Force has a strong commitment to reducing the number of sexual assaults using prevention training to bring awareness to this crime along with offering reporting options for victims. The 4th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office provides training to identify risky situations and encourage responsible choices. Through bystander intervention training, Airmen are taught that they must be aware of the situation around them and their friends, and be ready to step in and act when needed. This awareness can change a situation and ultimately prevent a crime. Most sexual assaults that occur here involve alcohol and are usually committed by someone the victim knows or works with. This is referred to as date or acquaintance rape. After this type of rape is committed, friends may take sides with either the alleged victim or perpetrator, thus creating havoc within a unit. Often, it could have been prevented if someone had just stepped in or said something. Is it uncomfortable to step in? Maybe, but it is what the Air Force expects you to do. Besides, how would you feel if you did nothing and someone was sexually assaulted? While we know the majority of people are not rapists or abusers and would not hurt someone they care about, there are still some among us who would prey on an unsuspecting person. Every day we are bombarded with movies, magazines, television and music depicting women as weak, submissive or degraded. Alcohol is frequently a part of the equation. We become desensitized by what we see and hear and, over time, we come to view this as normal behavior. Department of Defense and Air Force training is promoting a change and forces us to relook at what we can do to prevent sexual assaults. Annual training arms Airmen with information to help protect them and their friends or co-workers and provide support to victims. Victim advocates, after completing their training, frequently comment on how it has opened their eyes and changed the way they look at movies, magazines and television. For additional information or questions, contact the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office at 722-0155.