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Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
More than 300 students from Kaiserslautern and Ramstein high schools received sexual assault prevention and response training May 10 on Ramstein.
Members from the civilian-run productions team who performed “Sex Signals” designed another production as a follow-up or standalone program that teaches many of the same lessons on sexual assault and bystander intervention.
“The Hook-Up/Afterburner” is focused on teaching the myths surrounding sexual violence, understanding what consent is, and understanding the role alcohol plays in sexual assault. The production team was brought to Ramstein to help reinforce those standards in youths.
“We wanted to make sure students were educated on sexual assault prevention,” said Tech. Sgt. Flor Schatt, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa NCOIC of the sexual assault and prevention program. “We wanted to make sure they understood what sexual assault was and make sure they understand the difference between wanted and unwanted sexual contact.”
The team hosts the training multiple times a week at various locations around the world.
“The SAPR training is held frequently throughout the U.S. and at military bases throughout the world,” said Heather Imrie, director of program development for the production team. “We’ve found through research that there are different myths preventing people from intervening and allowing perpetrators to get away with their acts.”
By doing this training, those myths get diffused, allowing potential bystanders to intervene.
“Giving a clear definition of what sexual assault or harassment is gives bystanders the knowledge they need to intervene,” she said. “I hope after this training these students start to look out for each other.”
Schatt said she thought the training was successful. The students were participating throughout and left good feedback.
“I think this training was successful. We got a good turnout and received positive feedback from those who attended,” Schatt said. “You could see it throughout the training. They were engaged, asking questions and responding to the conversation.”
The SAPR program reinforces the Air Force’s commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through awareness and prevention training, education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and accountability. The Air Force promotes sensitive care and confidential reporting for victims of sexual assault and accountability for those who commit these crimes.
Sexual assault is criminal conduct. It falls well short of the standards America expects of its men and women in uniform. Specifically, it violates Air Force core values. Inherent in these core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do is respect — self-respect, mutual respect and respect for the Air Force as an institution.
For more information, call the SAPR office at 480-5597 or email Ramstein.SARC@us.af.mil.
