Airmen have resources to stop sexual assault

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale Air Force Base, La. --  Sexual Assault Awareness Month is nationally recognized in April, often involving events to raise awareness and prevention of the crime.

This year, Barksdale will recognize SAAM with the theme, "Live Our Values: Step Up To Stop Sexual Assault."

"The underlying message is simple, everyone has a role in preventing sexual assault," said Senior Airman Natasha Haynie, Sexual Assault and Prevention Response assistant. "This month, [we] partner with leaders in their efforts to strengthen a climate which cultivates mutual respect, trust, team commitment, and professional values."

At Barksdale, these efforts have resulted in a campaign led by the SAPR office. There is a sexual assault pledge poster design contest, and information booths will be set up at the Exchange, Senior Airman Bryan R. Bell Fitness Center, and other locations.

"The SAPR office focuses on sexual assault prevention, and has an atmosphere where victims can comfortably report sexual assaults," Haynie said.

For victim advocacy, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Sandy Browne, is the main point of contact for reporting.

"I'm able to provide 24/7 response capability and provide ongoing victim care," Browne said. "I'm also responsible for prevention efforts, including education, training and awareness."

Joining Browne in advocacy are more than 40 victim advocates on Barksdale who will be designated to victims. They will assist the victim throughout the healing process, for as long as they're needed, Haynie said.

Not only is preventing sexual assault a major priority for Barksdale, but is a main concern for the Air Force as a whole.

General Mark Welsh, Air Force Chief of Staff, said that sexual assault has no place in the Air Force.

"We live in a culture of respect," he said. "We cherish our core values of integrity, service, and excellence. But in order to ensure all Airmen experience and benefit from those values, we must eliminate sexual assault in our ranks."

For more information about SAAM, call the SARC office at 456-6836.