Fighting against sexual assault

  • Published
  • By Veronica Sforza
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  During the last unit training assembly, the 482nd Fighter Wing participated in a base wide training focused on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response. Every unit on the base participated in this "stand-down" and showcased true professionalism! In the six years that I have been a SARC at Homestead, this training has been the best received. I am proud of the units and the members of the 482nd Fighter Wing for opening up a dialogue to help prevent sexual assault.

The training started early on Saturday morning as each unit's leadership lead their members through an open dialogue to ensure everyone was getting the point. The training was completed Sunday afternoon. I was inspired when I heard that one unit actually continued their discussion on the issue well after the end of the business day.

This training is important because sexual assault is so damaging and it can leave its victims with long term effects. The fact is, Sexual Assault happens in all branches of the military. It happens all over the world and victims are both male and female. There is no question that sexual assault affects all of us, directly and/or indirectly, and the effects ripple out and touch each of us whether we know it or not.

Following an attack; a victim, one of us, can be so negatively affected by the trauma that it can take years, if ever, to overcome the thoughts, memories, and nightmares. Sexual Assault can lead a victim to quit their job, drop out of school, and throw away important relationships. The Air Force, the unit, and the supervisor lose a trained, competent member, often without even knowing what happened. The entire Air Force loses the trust of society's parents, keeping us from being able to recruit the smart, competent, motivated members who don't join because of what they have read, because of what they have heard, because they are afraid.

My take on getting a handle on this crime in the Air Force is two-fold:

First, always have a wingman. Problems can accelerate quickly and without a good wingman we may not even see the danger coming. Take care of each other and plan out what to do scenario before going out.

Second, and just as important, is to work at creating a culture that does not give the impression that it is ok to treat one group with less respect than another. Understand that sexual harassment leads to an environment and culture where sexual assault is more prevalent. Everyone, from the General to the Airman Basic should be ensuring that the environment that they work in is not a sexist, dangerous work environment for any of its members. If the environment is negative, it is up to our leadership and our members to change it. Speak up and help the Air Force create a culture where sexual assault does not happen. It is in our control.

The SARC is here for you 24/7. Call the SARC if you have been a victim of sexual assault. 786-415-7606.