Establishing a Culture of Responsible Choices – Sexual Assault

1. Establishing a Culture of Responsible Choices – Sexual Assault Claudia Bayliff Chief, Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention & Response

2. Sexual Assault • Sexual assault is criminal conduct. It falls well short of the standards America expects of its men and women in uniform. • Sexual assault violates Air Force Core Values. Inherent in our Core Values is respect: self-respect, mutual respect, and respect for our Air Force as an institution. • Incidents of sexual assault corrode the very fabric of our Wingman culturea culture in which we look out for each other and take care of each other; therefore, we must strive for an environment where this type of behavior is not tolerated and where all Airmen are respected.

3. Sexual Assault Defined • Sexual assault is a crime. Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commit these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of victim. • “Consent” shall not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the victim to offer physical resistance. Consent is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, coercion or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious. The above definition of sexual assault has been directed by DoD and is for training and educational purposes only. This definition does not affect in any way the definition of any offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Commanders are encouraged to consult with their Staff Judge Advocate for complete understanding of this definition in relation to the UCMJ.

4. Responsible Choices • Things you can do to prevent sexual assaults • Approach sexual assault as every Airman’s issue • Practice responsible use of alcohol • Irresponsible drinking is a factor in over 50% of sexual assaults • Alcohol is the most commonly used drug to facilitate sexual assault • Challenge verbal, physical and sexual inappropriateness that can contribute to a climate that allows for sexual assault • Don’t stand by when you observe warning signs of potential sexual assault • It is your responsibility to get involved and encourage others to get involved to protect your fellow Airmen

5. Responsible Choices • Things you can do to prevent sexual assaults (continued) • If a wingman is abusive to someone, get involved • Question your own attitudes • Listen empathically and ask if you can help • Support sexual assault prevention • Don't fund sexism • Mentor young Airmen and other young people • Ask the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)for help

6. Resources Available • Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) • Reporting directly to the installation Vice Commander, the SARC implements and manages the installation level Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) programs. • The SARC assists commanders in meeting annual SAPR training requirements, including newcomer and orientation briefings and provides victim care and community education on SAPR services. • Victim Advocate (VA) • VAs provide essential support, liaison services and care to the victim. Responsibilities include providing crisis intervention, referral and ongoing non-clinical support, including information on available options and resources to assist the victim in making informed decisions about the case. • VAs may accompany the victim, at the victim’s request, during investigative interviews and medical examinations.

7. Resources Available • Prevention and Response for the Deployed Environment • Trained military SARCs are identified for AEF rotation to the CENTAF designated Air Expeditionary Wings • Commanders of AF Forces deployed to locations outside the CENTAF AOR must provide a sexual assault response capability • In accordance with DoD policy, deploying members will receive training on sexual assault issues • Training • “Targeting Sexual Assault: AF Campaign Plan for Prevention and Response” • Mandatory for military and all AF civilians not covered by collective bargaining agreements; highly recommended for all others • Mandatory Annual Training • Accession Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Training • Mandatory at accession points • First PME / Assignment SAPR Training • Mandatory at FTAC and ASBC

8. Reporting Sexual Assault • Restricted Reporting • Enables military members to report allegations of sexual assault to SARCs and/or healthcare providers, without triggering an investigation. • This reporting option gives the individual access to medical care, counseling and a victim advocate but does not initiate the investigative process. • There are certain exceptions that may apply. • Unrestricted Reporting • Any report of a sexual assault made through normal reporting channels, including the victim’s chain of command, law enforcement, and the AFOSI or other criminal investigative service is considered an unrestricted report. • A report made to a SARC or healthcare provider where the individual does not elect restricted reporting, is considered an unrestricted report. • The SARC will be notified of any unrestricted report and will assign a VA to the individual. Details of the allegation will be provided only to those personnel who have a legitimate need to know.

9. Spread The Word • Sexual Assault Prevention and Response should be addressed in numerous venues/mediums, to include: • Commander’s Call • Feedback sessions • Core Values training plans • Wingman Day • Newcomer and orientation briefings • Base paper • Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April) • Displays around base / Community education • Staff meetings • CC-requested SARC briefings for unit members • Educational handouts • SARC-approved videos • PME