Film screening helps Lajes Airmen recognize areas for improvement

  • Published
  • By Angelique N. Smythe
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  "The Invisible War," a compelling documentary in which women and men recount their past struggles of rape and sexual assaults within the military, is both disturbing and heartbreaking.

While some may argue that the 90-minute film is quite one-sided, it brings to light a very serious problem not to be ignored.

"It's highly controversial due to the fact that it strongly criticizes the Department of Defense, commanders, the (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response) program, investigators and the criminal justice system," said 1st Lt. Erica Peat, 65th Air Base Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. However, "this movie does a really great job of highlighting a very specific and serious problem we have not only in the military, but within our society."

Lajes purchased "The Invisible War," with copyright benefits specifically for training purposes.

From Jan. 8 through 11, Peat hosted six sessions for all of Team Lajes to watch and discuss a series of screenings from the documentary.

"I want you to focus on the survivors and their stories," Peat said. "I want to challenge you to think about how you as first-line supervisors, leaders, Airmen... what we can do better to promote a culture that fosters mutual respect, mutual trust and confidence."

Changing attitudes and behaviors in the area of sexual assault prevention requires an open dialogue. Therefore, participants were highly encouraged to have an open mind and actively participate within their discussion groups.

"I think the biggest thing that's going to help our culture and environment is us - that's everyone from the airman basic to that seasoned chief," said Tech. Sgt. Edward Dieterle, 65th Force Support Squadron Manpower and Organization NCOIC. "It's not about relying on leadership to always be the bad guy and then make sure they're hammering people. It starts with us.'"

The Air Force has always had a zero tolerance policy for sexual assault.

"When Gen. Mark Welsh III, Air Force Chief of Staff, saw this movie, he couldn't believe the statistics," said Col. David Parr, 65th Air Base Wing vice commander. "Our first instinct is to feel offended, then we get defensive thinking 'there is no way 20 percent of our female veterans are sexually assaulted.' Whether we believe the statistics or not, it should be a wake-up call to say, 'what are we doing as a military?'"

"As human beings we need to take care of each other and treat everyone with dignity and respect," said Tech. Sgt. Maria Hudgeons, 65th Comptroller Flight Financial Services section chief. "We must continue to educate our Airmen on the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program, and we need to reinforce having a professional work environment. We should be able to work in a place where we are all equally respected."

For more information about preventing sexual assaults or harrassment, contact your local SAPR office.