SAPR: More than annual training ... a yearlong discussion

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Though sexual assault prevention is often linked with the required annual training, leaders of the 366th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program are working to ensure it is a discussion that happens year-round.

To spur discussions, "The Invisible War," a controversial video on sexual assault in the military was recently shown to victim advocates and members of the Integrated Delivery System, which is comprised of representatives from various base agencies who are charged with the welfare of Airmen and their families.

"The movie looks at military sexual assault survivors and short falls in the system," said Laura Clagg, 366th Fighter Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "It also discusses whether commanders should have disposition authority in sexual assault cases."

Following the film, Clagg facilitated a discussion among the group to identify areas that each person can play a role in preventing sexual assaults and reduce vulnerabilities through training.

"We are hoping it will highlight previously identified issues," said Katherine Miller, 366th FW sexual assault victim advocate. "Also, those individuals will realize how far we've come in taking care of victims and holding offenders accountable."

The movie provided thought-provoking questions on military way of life and sexual assaults. Since its inception in 2004 the SAPR program has changed to better serve the individuals who have been assaulted.

"An important change is that military dependents over the age of 18 now have the option for restricted reporting," said Miller. "Other important changes are SARC and SAVA communication with their client now being covered under Military Rule of Evidence 514, giving us a higher level of confidentiality with clients. Spouses have communication privileges with each other, allowing them to talk about an assault and still maintain their option for restricted reporting."

Another change is the availability of Special Victims Council for restricted and unrestricted reporters. This is a lawyer - independent of the prosecution and defense - who assists the victim through the judicial process.

The program has also emphasized a prevention and outreach element that assists the SARC in training.

"Many people know prevention is a way to stop an event from happening," said Miller. "In the SAPR world we refer to that as risk reduction, such as don't drink too much, have a wingman and dress more conservatively."

However, the reason for calling these risk reductions is that even if an individual followed all the "prevention" methods talked about, the assault may still happen, explained Miller, who emphasized no matter the circumstance, it is never the victim's fault.

"We need to focus on stopping offenders from committing an assault in the first place," said Miller. "By educating our base personnel about sexual assault, we can help to prevent it. If we as bystanders can identify behaviors of offenders, identify potentially dangerous situation and then feel empowered to step in and act, we can help to prevent sexual assaults from happening."

The SARC and SAVA plan to continue this discussion by taking this format of training to other units and agencies on base and inform them of how the SAPR program has changed to better serve those who are victims and help prevent future crimes from happening.

"We will assist anyone who contacts our office," said Miller. "Even if they're not eligible for our services, we will refer them to available services."  

For further information contact the SARC or SAVA at 208-828-7272 or 208-828-6622.