Letter to Airmen: COMPACAF delivers message about sexual assault

  • Published
  • By Gen. Lori J. Robinson, PACAF commander
  • Headquarters Pacific Air Forces

This month, we observe the twelfth annual Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month with the theme, "Eliminate Sexual Assault:  Know Your Part.  Do Your Part."  It is clear, our Air Force does not tolerate, condone, or ignore sexual assault.  Moreover, I call on you to be part of the solution by living our Core Values each and every day while possessing the social courage to “Do Your Part” to intervene when appropriate, to report crimes, and to support victims.  #notjustApril highlights the importance of sexual assault prevention and response every day of the year. 

Eliminating sexual assault requires every Airman to be an active participant.  We all have a role in treating others with dignity and respect, understanding bystander intervention to help identify and stop unsafe behavior and in eliminating social and professional retaliation against victims who report sexual assault.  We hope that victims feel secured and empowered in coming forward with their allegations, and secure in the fact that their reports will be taken seriously. 

This year, Commanders and SAPR teams have been innovative in creating interactive activities to combat sexual assault, such as Hickam's “Single Airmen Resiliency Retreat,” Kadena's "Take Back the Night" rally and march, and Osan’s “Clothesline Project.”  Other installations are hosting proclamation signings, leadership panels/summits, storytellers’ events, and screenings of “The Hunting Ground” to raise awareness and promote prevention. 

I encourage you to attend the SAAPM events scheduled on your base.  For more information please contact your unit SAPR office.  

Thank you for your ongoing efforts and commitment to creating a safe and mutually respectful workplace for all Airmen -- together, we will eliminate sexual assault from our Air Force!