Training to increase awareness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terrica Y. Jones
  • 916th Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 916th Air Refueling Wing provides Sexual Assault Prevention and Response facilitator training for both civilian employees and service members at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

"This program is designed to end the silence of sexual assault by developing and implementing innovative prevention and response programs with the services of the civilian community and military services," said Alethia Jokines, 916th wing commander secretary and SAPR facilitator.

"The goal is also to understand the risks and circumstances associated with sexual assault incidence and the proactive measure to prevent sexual and associate destructive behavior within the organization," she said.

Jokines says education and training efforts are designed to improve knowledge, impart skill, and influence attitudes and behaviors toward sexual assault.

"Our force needs to be trained on prevention and recognition," she said.

In July, some 567th RED HORSE Squadron service members received SAPR facilitator training from Nancy Pike, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator on base.

"There is one representative from most of our shops who are part of the facilitator training. It is a good idea to inform Airmen of SAPR in their initial briefing to the unit," said Tech. Sgt. Curtis Sidbury, with the RED HORSE squadron.

"The information that was received during the training will be utilized as an instructional template for me," he said.

"When all personnel are held appropriately accountable for their behavior, the unit climate of trust and safety is enhanced and personnel may feel safer coming forward with issues or incident reports," said Jokines.

"The desired atmosphere is where cultural imperatives of mutual respect and trust, professional values, and team commitment are reinforced to create an environment where sexual assault is not tolerated, condoned or ignored," she said.

The 916th ARW is scheduled to have two SAPR training sessions - Friday, August 8th and Saturday, August 9th. Both sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and last for approximately two hours. Contact your unit's SAPR facilitator for more information regarding training dates and times.