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Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program 'empowers victims'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bahja J. Jones
  • 379 Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention Response program is focused on educating service members about sexual assault as well as providing care and assistance to victims.

"We want to eradicate sexual assault incidents, educate all Airmen about sexual assault awareness and lead a dedicated, dynamic core of volunteer victim advocates to assist victims of sexual assault," said Maj. Scott Crum, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

When the Air Force launched the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program in 2005, which placed full-time SARCs at all main operating installations, Crum was offered the opportunity to be a SARC. He's been hands-on in the program since. At his home station Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, he works as the Air Force Personnel Center Chief of SAPR operations, managing SARC assignments, deployments, and policy implementation.

Education is an essential part of sexual assault prevention the Air Force SAPR program.

"We can lessen the number of sexual assault occurrences within the Air Force through education and continued SARC briefs," Crum said. "The Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force chief of staff have outlined a revamping of our education in terms of sexual assault prevention and education methods."

The changes will include integration of SAPR education into all levels of professional military education including Basic Military Training, Officer Training Course, Airman Leadership School and the Senior NCO Academy to make all Airmen aware of the effects sexual assaults have on the mission.

Unfortunately, despite the SAPR program's efforts to educate, there are still a small percentage of people who will still try to commit sexual assaults, said Crum. In understanding this, another key to prevention is "looking out for yourself and your wingman."

"If you see anything that raises a flag, it's never wrong to ask the question" he said.

According to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A Welsh, preventing sexual assault is every Airman's responsibility.

In the event that a sexual assault does occur, the SARC assists victims to get them the support that they need. The SAPR program gives the victim back control of the situation and provides options that allow them to report the offense on the manner that makes them most comfortable.

"SAPR's focus is taking care of victims, empowering them and getting the help that they need," said Crum.

Recently, President Barrack Obama addressed the issue stating, "there is zero tolerance for sexual assault in the military."

"That's exactly the type of support we need," Crum added referencing the president's remarks.

For more information about the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program, call 437-7500 or call the 24-hour SARC hotline at 437-7272.