Misawa focuses on Sexual Assault Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  April brings an opportunity to focus on the prevention of sexual violence through various Sexual Assault Awareness Month events. 

"SAAMs events are made to increase awareness around the community as well as educate people on their responsibilities in preventing assault from happening," said Capt. Angela Batts, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at Misawa. 

Knowing how to prevent assault is all in the education. Knowing what to do in the event it does happen can stop future occurrences. 

"Always try to travel with a wingman," the captain described as one way to prevent assault. "It's really important that everyone becomes responsible, especially if they are drinking, and to set clear limits with boundaries." 

Eighty percent of sexual assault cases were alcohol related on both parts, explained the captain. 

However, alcohol does not have to be factored into the equation. Plans before going out should be a focus for awareness. 

"Have a plan and stick to it before going out," said Captain Batts. 

If an assault does occur, the first step is finding a safe environment. The second step is to seek medical care and then contact the SARC to find out reporting options. 

Restricted reporting allows the victim the opportunity to seek medical care and any counseling if they so choose without starting an investigation, explained Captain Batts. 

Restricting reporting is only available for active personnel and can be obtained through contacting the SARC, a victim advocate or medical personnel. The DoD established this option as a venue for more victims to come forth and report. 

"We knew that there were victims out there but were, for various reasons, unwilling to report," she said. "This option allows the victim to gain back some control over their lives." 

A victim can also choose unrestricted reporting. This reporting option will start an investigation. 

"An unrestricted report can be made through the previous mentioned avenues, OSI, SFS or through their chain or command. This option allows the individual to seek medical care and counseling as well," said the captain. 

Penalty or embarrassments are main reasons why assaults are not reported. Awareness month tries to battle that thinking. 

"The shame, embarrassment, guilt and fear of being minimized to leadership stop people from speaking up but there is a more important issue at hand to stop it," said Captain Batts. "Prevention." 

Victims should not bathe, wash their hands or their clothes if they are sexually assaulted.
"We want them to preserve as much evidence as possible," said the captain. "If they have to change their clothes, they should store them in a bag so we can access them." 

Misawa participated in a Day of Reflection Feb. 22 in response to sexual assault allegations in Okinawa, Japan. The commander's call reinforced unwavering professionalism and let known assault will not be tolerated.