Team Mildenhall holds SAPR down day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kyla Gifford
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Team Mildenhall held a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response stand-down day April 18, 2014, on RAF Mildenhall, England.

SAPR training is required for all Airmen including enlisted, officers, Department of Defense civilians and non-appropriated funds employees.

"SAPR down day helped us recognize and acknowledge offenders do exist among us, typically exhibiting negative behaviors that we can identify, and we are frequently fostering environments that allow them to operate without much interference," said Genevieve Brock, a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate from Yorktown, Va.

The training focused on recognizing negative behaviors and how to create positive work environments.

"If we immediately address 'precursor behaviors' such as sexist jokes and inappropriate touching, we have a greater chance of preventing offenders from committing more extreme behaviors, to include assaults, and that is true prevention," Brock said.

The day began with a commander's call at both the Northside and Hardstand Fitness Centers. Afterwards, trained unit facilitators led small group discussions at individual units. To wrap up the day Team Mildenhall members participated in team-building events directed by their commander.

"Sexual assault affects a person, affects a unit and it affects our mission," said Col. David Cox, 100th Air Refueling Wing vice commander. "With this team of great Airmen, I know we can tackle sexual assault as we have all of our other challenges."