Goal set at zero for number of sexual assaults

Published April 4, 2013
By 2nd Lt. Allanna Jones
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Air Force Chief Of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III stated, "The Air Force goal for sexual assault is not simply to lower the number. The goal is zero. It's the only acceptable objective. The impact on every victim, their friends [and] other people in their unit is heart-wrenching. Attacking this cancer is a full-time job, and we are giving it our full attention."

"It stops here!" is Keesler's catchphrase supporting its mission to lower and eventually eliminate the occurrence of sexual assault. But as statistics show, this is not just isolated to the military but a worldwide issue.

Programs such as sexual assault prevention and response and victim advocacy have been put in place to provide 24/7 assistance to victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
"Victim advocacy is a life-changing volunteer program," victim advocate Crystal Robinson-Henley said. "A victim advocate is that one guaranteed person outside of family who can be leaned on through the healing process. We are not counselors but we are liaisons that, a majority of the time, point the victim in the right direction, and if not, find the answers to the questions they may have."

Everyone should have a place to turn. The purpose of the victim advocacy program is to provide support through crisis intervention, deliver emotional support, inform victims of their rights and ensure a safe and confident way of seeking assistance, said victim advocate Pamela McClendon.

Victims' reluctance to report comes from, "The fear of others knowing about something so traumatic that has happened to you. No one wants to be judged or looked at differently, especially knowing all the training that the Air Force provides. They don't want to be perceived as weak or stupid. In all actuality, victims of sexual assault are just that; victims. Prey of other people," said Robinson-Henley.

But every year there are victims who are hesitant or refuse to come forward and report assault.

McClendon said the most frequent reasons that assault is not reported include:

· The victim feels it is a personal matter.
· They fear the assailant will come after him or her for reporting.
· They feel responsible for the assault.
· The victim may have been drunk or high at the time of the assault.
· The victim may think no one will believe him or her.
· They feel the police will be biased.
· They may feel the need to protect the attacker, which usually occurs when the assailant is a family member or friend.
· The victim fears social alienation or rejection.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and these programs are here for you. Help change the culture and stop sexual assault!

For more information call 228-377-7278.