Summer brings sex assaults, need for awareness

Published June 26, 2007
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- It happens to at least one out of every six military women. About 10 percent of military men will experience it. And about 85 percent of cases aren't even reported.

It's not an injury or sickness - it's sex assault and it's more common than most people think.

"If this was a disease, we'd be calling it an epidemic," said Jeanine Arnold, Peterson's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "And we don't even know about a lot of the cases."

While there are no definite statistics for sex assaults on base - many reports are restricted - roughly 250 rapes occurred in Colorado Springs in 2005, according to Colorado Springs police. And many of those incidents occurred during the summer time, the most common months for sexual assault nationwide.

As Peterson continues its 101 Critical Days of Summer initiative, officials say it's crucial for Airmen to watch out for potential assaults this time of year.

"It's never a victim's fault," Ms. Arnold said. "But there are certainly times where, if you take certain precautions, it can be prevented."

Sex assault experts agree the number one safety precaution Airmen can take is to drink responsibly. More than 80 percent of sexual assaults involve alcohol, Ms. Arnold said, and many predators will use it to ply their victims ahead of time.

"Alcohol is the date rape drug of choice," she said. "It's easier to come by; it's more socially acceptable. It's OK to say, 'Here, let me buy you a drink,' instead of, 'Here, let me buy you a date rape drug.'"

But date rape drugs aren't that uncommon either. Experts say Airmen should always keep a close eye on their drink - never leaving it unattended and never accepting a drink from someone other than the bartender.

"I always tell Airmen, when you're downtown, don't let your drink get out of your sight," said Staff Sgt. Julie Boyatt, who works in the Security Forces Squadron. "More often than not, things will be put in your drink, and, unfortunately, it happens more than we know."

Enlisting trusted friends to watch over your drink is also a good safeguard, experts say, and, oftentimes, your friends can also help keep an eye on you.

"I'm a big supporter of the wingman, buddy, designated driver system - whatever you want to call it," Ms. Arnold said. "If people take the time or energy to make sure someone gets back to their room alright, it can make all the difference."

Not all "friends" can be trusted, though. More than 80 percent of sexual assault cases are non-stranger rape, meaning a friend, acquaintance, significant other or even spouse was the perpetrator - a major reason many cases go unreported, Ms. Arnold said.

Many victims will feel guilty, she said, like they led the person on, or that, because they knew the perpetrator, it wasn't really rape. Usually, the perpetrator - male or female - will also use intimidation to make the victim think the assault was their fault.

But Ms. Arnold said victims should not be afraid to tell someone, either on base or in town, and get the help that they need.

"Victims feel like they won't be believed; they say, 'Well, I was dating the guy,'" Ms. Arnold said. "But people can step over a line, where it's not consensual anymore. That's assault, and that's when you need to seek help."

(Victims of sexual assault can contact the following resources for assistance:
On base - Call SARC at 556-SARC. Victims can get 24/7 help and be connected with victim advocates, get referrals and report assaults on a restricted basis.
Off-base - Call TESSA at 633-1462. Colorado Springs' rape crisis center, can provide counseling and services.
Online - Military One Source, www.militaryonesource.com, can provide counseling information and other resources for servicemembers. )