Confidential sexual assault reporting now in place

  • Published
  • By Capt. Beth Horine
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England (USAFENS) --  One in three women in the military has been a victim of sexual assault and 39 percent of victims have been raped more than once, said Tech. Sgt. Nancy Dresseen, 48th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator NCO in charge.

In February 2004, the secretary of defense called for a review of all Department of Defense sexual assault policies. The goals of this review were to increase prevention of sexual assault, promote reporting, enhance the quality of support provided to victims both at home-base and deployed and improve accountability for offender actions.

Programs, like the establishment of a wing SARC office and a confidential reporting process, are now in place at military installations because of the review.

“The perceived lack of privacy and confidentiality is one of the most significant barriers to victims reporting a sexual assault,” said Capt. Caryn Kirkpatrick, 48th Fighter Wing SARC officer. “Confidential reporting began on June 14 Air Force-wide to enable military members to report allegations of sexual assault to the SARC and healthcare providers without triggering an investigation.”

The confidential reporting process allows the victim the option of access to medical care, counseling and a victim’s advocate without the fear having to notify their chain of command.

“The SARC office here at Lakenheath provides a 24/7 victim support system,” said Sergeant Dresseen. “We are a single point of contact for integrating and coordinating victim care from an initial report, through resolution of issues related to the victim’s health and well being.”

One of the most visible programs of the SARC is the new sexual assault prevention training all Airmen are required to attend.

“I feel the training film was one of the best I’ve seen in years; people acting in the film made it realistic compared to military productions in the past,” said Master Sgt. Rudy Perron, acting 48th Munitions Squadron first sergeant.

Previous sexual assault prevention and awareness training lacked a unified message and focused on sexual harassment rather than sexual assault, said Captain Kirkpatrick.

The video helps re-direct the focus of training.

“The majority of feedback from the film was positive and many younger troops can identify with the situation portrayed in the video. We have had some feedback stating the film is unrealistic, disturbing or too ‘dramatized.’ We must remember this is a complete change to the way we have handled sexual assault in the past and change is never easy,” said Captain Kirkpatrick.

Currently there are no plans for changing the video.

Security Forces, Office of Special Investigation, the hospital, chaplain, Life Skills or the chain of command can assist victims of sexual assault.

“What members need to understand is in order to ensure they receive confidential reporting as an option, they must contact (their local SARC) prior to reporting an assault to anyone else,” said Sergeant Dreessen. “Once the member has disclosed information about an assault to anyone else, with the exception of medical personnel, the option for restricted reporting no longer exists.”