Reporter:
According to the 2012 Department of Defense Survey, 3,211 Airmen were sexually assaulted. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response has not been taken lightly in the Air Force. Andersen’s SAPR Stand Down day gave participants an understanding of the affect sexual assault has on these victims as well as the measures our armed forces have taken to assist victims of sexual assault incidents while also providing tools for Airmen to proactively prevent future assaults
1st LT Diana Wong, 36th WG Sexual Assault Response Coordinator:
“The more educated we are about the problems from both the perpetrator and the victim perspective the more we can be able to feel empowered to change our culture.”
Reporter: After a Wing Commander’s call at the base theatre, Airmen participated in a silent walk on the track paying tribute to those who have suffered from sexual assault.
SSgt Traci Jordan-Reese, Full time Victim’s Advocate, SAPR House
“We’ve got these helmets out here (on the Track) to identify, and actually be a marker for each individual who has been sexually assaulted. “
Reporter:
These helmets laid down on the track represented every airman who has been sexual assaulted on Andersen since the SAPR house opened on base in 2006. The Stand Down day also included several hours of small group discussions and education on Sexual Assault Prevention, a motorcycle ride tribute and a 5K run to end the day. Reporting from Andersen AFB, Guam, I’m Airman First Class Franchesca Pancham. More