SARC's Remarks: Common factors in sexual assaults Published Feb. 25, 2011 By Janaee Stone Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Hearing about sexual assault among Hill's Airmen may be the single most upsetting topic that commanders deal with. Currently our community averages two sexual assaults each month and many of these involve two or more Airmen. This is a phenomenon that is hard to understand. How could someone who belongs to such a close-knit team, a group that requires excellence just to be a part of, take advantage of a fellow team member in a way that is life changing in a severely negative way? Leaders, members of the community, Airmen, Team Hill: I need your help! Case after case, investigation after investigation, involves a few common denominators that stand out in each and every one. First and foremost is the over-use of alcohol, often by both parties just prior to the event. The incident sometimes sounds like this: A party -- usually a house party -- with drinking to excess, then two individuals end up in a dark corner or quiet place alone. There may be consensual kissing or even touching, but then someone says, "No." This is where it all goes wrong, because the other person then chooses to disregard the "No" and proceeds to cross a line that is illegal, immoral and unacceptable. Another situation that is very common is similar to the one documented in "Frank: The Undetected Rapist." Sexual predators exist out there and some, unfortunately, are even in the Air Force. These sexual predators may host parties to find victims to prey upon. They get their victims intoxicated by constantly offering them drinks that are sometimes even laced with certain inhibitory drugs such as rohypnol or other date rape drugs. As these drugs mixed with alcohol begin to take effect, the predator isolates the victim by taking them to a location where they are alone. That is where the subject proceeds to rape his unconscious victim. When the effects of the drug and/or alcohol wear off and the victim comes to, they may or may not remember the events of the night before. They may have flashed in and out of consciousness while the rape was taking place. They may not remember a single thing from the night before but may feel that things are not right. They may feel that they were raped and possibly have bruises and scratches or skin underneath their fingernails. This is why the role of a Wingman is essential. As Wingmen, it is our duty to drink responsibly and watch out for each other. This includes taking the keys away from a friend who is too drunk to drive and also making sure that our friends do not become isolated at parties where they could be taken advantage of. As Wingmen, we also have the difficult duty of encouraging anyone we may think has been a victim of rape to get a kit done. It is our duty to stay with them and not only make sure that they are OK, but also to help them report the assault to the SARC. Wingmen should be there as a friend but should also refrain from pressuring a victim to make a report. Remember, it is always the victim's choice whether to report a sexual assault or not. As long as a Wingman is not within the victim's chain of command, the victim has the option to make a restricted report if they choose to do so. Along with reporting the assault immediately and offering support, Wingmen may also assist victims in retaining any evidence within a 72-hour time period, such as: Maintaining the crime scene Advising a victim to not eat or drink, brush their teeth, use mouthwash or shower Refraining from using or applying any medication until evidence has been collected Collecting urine in a plastic or glass container Collecting clothes in a paper bag If you or someone you know has experienced a sexual assault, please contact the SARC 24-hour Report Line at (801) 777-1985 or (801) 777-1964. To learn more For more information on sexual assault, please contact or visit one of the following resources: Department of Defense Sexual Assault Web site --www.sapr.mil Military OneSource -- 1 (800) 342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.com 24-Hour Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Information Line -- 888-421-1100 On-base agencies Airman and Family Readiness Center -- (801) 777-4681 Hill Air Force Base Chapel -- (801) 777-2106 Base Legal Assistance -- (801) 777-6756 Air Force Office of Special Investigations -- (801) 777-1852 Security Forces (LE Desk) -- (801) 777-3056 Command Post -- (801) 777-3007 Equal Opportunity -- (801) 777-3663 Mental Health -- (801) 777-7909 Off-base agencies Northern Utah Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (NUSANE) -- (888) 328-3605 Safe Harbor Crisis Center (Kaysville) -- (888) 874-9378 or www.womensdvshelter.org Rape Recovery Center (SLC)--(801) 467-7273 or www.raperecoverycenter.org Your Community Connection (YCC-Ogden) -- (801) 394-9456 Weber State University Services for Women Students (Ogden) -- (801) 626-6090 or www.weber.edu/sws