27th SOW takes stand against sexual assault

Published June 24, 2013
By 2nd Lt. Angelica Powell
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

CANNON AFB, N.M. -- All services were directed by the secretary of defense to conduct a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Stand-Down Day for military and civilian personnel before July 1, 2013.

Col. Buck Elton, 27th Special Operation Wing commander, spoke to crowds in nine, hour-long briefings to ensure everyone understood that sexist behaviors, sexual harassment and sexual assault are not tolerated, condoned or ignored during Cannon's SAPR Stand-Down Day June 21, 2013.

As each squadron crowded onto and around the bleachers, Air Commandos of every rank listened closely as wing leadership explained their role in eliminating the issue. Definitions of sexual assault and the legal action which will be taken, the changing culture of the Air Force, and victim support were discussed by Col. Heather LoBue, 27th SOW Judge Advocate, and Chief Master Sgt. Paul Henderson, 27th SOW command chief.

Aside from the SAPR stand-down, the Air Force is taking steps to provide unprecedented support to victims of sexual assault.

"By the end of the summer, there will be 24 permanent Special Victims' Councils in the Air Force," said Capt. Seth Dilworth, Air Force Legal Operations Agency Community Legal Services SVC. "I cover the entire southwest region with another captain at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Currently, no other branch of service has an SVC program."

Dilworth described an SVC as an appointed lawyer for the victim of a sexual assault. The victim can go directly to his office or request an SVC from the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. An SVC can advocate for the victim, help them get through the court-martial process, and provide legal assistance for the victim, if necessary.

"I have a separate chain of command from the rest of the base, allowing me to advocate to base personnel and solely represent a victim of sexual assault," said Dilworth.

An SVC has attorney-client privilege with the victim, meaning conversations are confidential and that an SVC can help with restricted and unrestricted reports. His role in such cases throughout the region was explained during the day's large briefing.

"I was able to watch a couple of the units have small group discussions," Dilworth said. "The members of our base seem very interested in solving this problem. Today was a step forward in improving the culture that can lead to criminal acts. Victims need to know they have resources to help them, and that many of these resources are confidential."

Throughout the day, terms like the bystander effect and secondary victimization, the psychology of sexual assault, the prevalence of friends as offenders, the redefining of the victim and date rape were discussed by small breakout sessions throughout the base, many of which were led by victim advocates trained by the SARC.