Sexual Aasault:There is help for victims Published March 31, 2011 By Scott King 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash -- It happens at Fairchild more often than one would think. They seek help. They; are victims of sexual assault. Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes rape, forcible sodomy, and other unwanted sexual contact that is aggravated, abusive, or wrongful (to include unwanted and inappropriate sexual contact), or attempts to commit these acts, according to AFI 36-6001. Consent is defined as words or overt acts indicating a freely given agreement to the sexual conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the accused's use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the sexual conduct at issue shall not constitute consent, according to AFI 36-6001. "We are here to help the victims of sexual assault," said Mrs. Jessica Bradshaw 92nd Air Refueling Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "We provide a safe, secure place for the victims, whether female or male, to start their recovery process. We can lead them to medical care, refer them to further counseling and provide them a victim's advocate." Defense Department officials released the Pentagon's annual report on sexual assault in the military March 17. This survey was specifically designed to establish baseline data for addressing this serious issue and to help develop more effective programs aimed at preventing sexual assaults altogether, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. "We wanted the clearest possible understanding of the scope and nature of this problem," General Schwartz said. "This survey gave us a first-of-a-kind look at how sexual assaults have affected our Air Force community and informs us what we must do to better protect our people from this crime." Department of Defense officials recently released its annual report on Sexual Assault in the Military, which indicated the Air Force had 585 sexual assaults reported in 2010. The general underscored his pledge to give every victim a voice following a sexual assault. "We want all affected Airmen to feel empowered to report this crime," General Schwartz said. "We want them to know that we're committed to holding offenders accountable through effective investigations, knowledgeable judge advocate advice and strong unit support and leadership." There are a couple of different ways victims can report sexual assault at Fairchild. There is restricted reporting for active duty only where no investigation takes place and chain of command is not notified. There is also unrestricted reporting for active duty, retired, Department of Defense employees and dependents (18 and older). An investigation will take place and chain of command is notified. In both cases, victims can receive medical, counseling and mental health assistance, as well as a victim advocate Both options have pros and cons for the victims. "A pro for restricted reporting would be if the victim was drinking underage during the assault there would be no report thus no consequences for underage drinking," Mrs. Bradshaw said. "A con would be if they work in the same office as the alleged attacker, there wouldn't be any protection or criminal prosecution because no report was filed. "A pro for unrestricted reporting would be the victim could receive a military protection order and the attacker could be prosecuted," she said. A con would be people, maybe in the office could find out about it and gossip could start in favor of the victim or the attacker." Either way victims choose to report, one thing is clear; Air Force officials and Fairchild officials highly encourage victims to report sexual assaults. "I strongly encourage anyone who is affected by sexual assault to take a courageous stand and help bring perpetrators to justice," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy. "We need to stand together against these crimes." General Schwartz stressed the criticality of fostering an atmosphere in which Airmen feel comfortable reporting sexual assaults. "Sexual assault is a crime that violates our core values, and as an institution, we won't rest until we eliminate this criminal behavior," General Schwartz said. "Leadership is key in creating an environment of trust in which all Airmen are safe." The Fairchild sexual assault response coordinator wants to reach out to the victims of this crime. "We know it's a very sensitive subject for the victims, but we want the opportunity to work through their situation alongside them - they're not alone," Mrs. Bradshaw said. "This can affect all aspects of their life, whether at work or at home - it doesn't go away without help and can eventually affect the mission here." The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office has relocated to Bldg. 2245 in suite 226A. For more information of if you are a victim, call 247-4444 or there is a 24/7 crisis line you can call at 247-7272. (Parts of this article were contributed by Lt. Col. Ann Stefanek, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs)