SAPR Coordinator Innovates Training

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Wisher
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

From job safety training to how-to-better yourself as a supervisor, the U.S. Air Force is constantly providing Airmen with programs and learning opportunities. One reoccurring training that has been innovated, which is vital to the Air Force and the safety of its service members, is Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.  

The SAPR program promotes military readiness by educating members on the effects of sexual assault and preventative measures throughout the Department of Defense. The SAPR office saw a need for the 39th Security Forces Squadron to receive specialized training to further trust as first responders.

“The SAPR office’s goal is to allow one of our largest and most impactful squadron to have a role in preventing sexual assault at Incirlik Air Base,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kaislie Duffy, 39th Air Base Wing Sexual Assault Response coordinator. “It’s also to make our defenders knowledgeable in victim trauma so they can confidentially respond to the scene and provide the best response they can.”

During the multi-day course, 39th SFS members, who are mandatory reporters, participated in open discussions that allowed them to evaluate and handle particular situations.

 According to U.S. Air Force Maj. Tim Ralston, 39th Medical Group mental health commander, “Everyone deals with trauma differently, but it is important that we know the signs of trauma and how to help.”

While mental health is a major portion of the training, the legal portion provides the defenders with an in-depth understanding of the judicial processes.

“I am employed to hold the best interest of the Air Force but I also have to make sure the victim is aware of their options,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Nathanael Okhuysen, 39th Air Base Wing assistant staff judge advocate,  while discussing the legal process for assault allegations.

The overall goal of the SAPR briefing was to improve the defenders’ response to assault victims as well as guarantee the victim feel safe throughout the process.

“We want our defenders to be able to fight against sexual assault alongside the SAPR team and I hope that by taking this Security Forces SAPR Representative course it will allow them to feel like they can,” said Duffy.