SAPR talks teal for 2015

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE La. - --  Beginning January 2015, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office will launch Talk to the Teal to get Airmen to speak up and out against sexual assault.

The initiative is part of a long-range plan to increase awareness of sexual assault, reduce barriers and to maintain professionalism in the Air Force.

"We're taking a very proactive approach," said Sandy Browne, 2nd Bomb Wing SAPR program manager. "Let's say something when we see something going on in the workplace or out at a club that we find offensive or something we know is key indicator to a potential sexual assault."

Browne uses the blue-green color for practical reasons while talking teal to men and women around the base.

"Teal is a very bright color," she said. "Everyone knows if they see teal, they can link it in their mind to sexual assault and sexual assault prevention."

Joining Browne in the campaign is more than 50 trained victim advocates across Air Force Global Strike Command, 2nd Bomb Wing, 8th Air Force and local tenant units.

"Victim advocates deliver the services and assist victims in navigating and understanding the system," said Sharon Smart, 2nd BW SAPR victim advocate. "Their role is to be available anytime of the day or night to help victims identify needs and address issues. They help protect victims from further trauma by preparing them for interviews and examinations and ensuring their safety."

In addition to raising awareness, Browne aims to reduce barriers to reporting by having victim advocates in as many units as possible so that Airmen won't have to go far or talk to a complete stranger when they need someone to speak with regarding a personal experience or have a question about sexual assault.

The third goal of the program is to increase professionalism throughout the installation by having victim advocates act as reminders to Airmen that there are lines that shouldn't be crossed. The advocates will also wear their signature color during January.

"A teal shirt is a reminder to maintain professionalism both on and off duty," Browne said.

The Talk to the Teal campaign is an opportunity for commanders to get to know victim advocates within commands as they are a valuable resource in helping commanders understand the dynamics within the units, she added.

As more teal t-shirts appear around base, they should be a constant reminder that Airmen have someone nearby to speak with should they have a question about sexual assault or need to make a report.