Columbus AFB sexual assault reports decreased in 2016

Published June 9, 2017
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE -- Sexual assault report numbers at Columbus Air Force Base are reported to have decreased in fiscal 2016.

According to the 14th Flying Training Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Manager, reports decreased by about 25 percent from fiscal 2015 to 2016.

The 14th FTW is committed to reducing sexual assault, said Dr. Marcia Stewart, 14th Flying Training Wing SAPR Program Manager.

“Protecting our people protects our mission,” Stewart said. “Teamwork makes the dream work. I can’t make sexual assault prevention work by myself, it takes the entire BLAZE Team.”

Air Force reports of sexual assault increased slightly in fiscal 2016, according to the service’s annual report on sexual assault released May 1. The Air Force received 1,355 reports of sexual assault in fiscal 2016, compared to 1,312 in 2015.

Prevention of sexual assault is the responsibility of every Airman, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein.

"It's about trust,” Goldfein said. “The crime of sexual assault shatters trust and has a direct and negative impact on our capabilities as a warfighting force. In my opinion, there is no such thing as a bystander in this fight. We are all in. From the newest Airman to the most senior leader, every one of us has a responsibility to step forward and help stop sexual assault before it happens."

(Editor’s note: The Air Force News article, “Air Force releases annual sexual assault report,” contributed to this story.)