SARC show draws the line

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Columbus Air Force Base Airmen gave their verdict on a case of sexual assault during a presentation April 24 at Kaye Auditorium.

The case, based off of an actual event, followed two subjects; Todd and Amy from a party back to the female's residence, presenting both stories and the facts from the case.

The presentation was given by Brett Sokolow, a higher education attorney who specializes in sexual misconduct and campus security. Throughout the case presentation, the audience asked questions relating to the case and legal terminology as they worked to decide if Todd was guilty or not guilty of Sexual Assault in the second degree.

"I believe he was definitely guilty just because he had plenty of opportunities to leave and he continued to stay and push the limit. What really put it over the top was when he sat there in nothing but his socks waiting for her to wake up," said Senior Airman Ross Crimaldi, 14th Comptroller Squadron Finance Customer Service Technician

In both of the presentations given, the majority of the audience believed Todd to be guilty. However in both cases there were those who disagreed, providing their views on Todd's innocence.

"I would have voted not guilty, based on the definition of 2nd degree Sexual Assault. I agree that Todd made some poor decisions, however I do not believe his actions were those of a predator," said 2nd Lt. Kyle Hodges, 14th Student Squadron. "He acted as an average 20 year old guy with a 19 year old woman coming on to him after a night of drinking and partying. For his entire life to be affected by this outcome is, in my opinion, a shame."

Regardless of each Airman's decision, Sokolow taught audience members tips on how to identify if a partner was able to give their consent. One such tip was based off of short term memory loss due to a blackout. Sokolow said that if a partner couldn't remember the six questions "who, what, why, when, where and how" they couldn't give their consent.

"Wouldn't you want them to know those things anyways?" said Sokolow. "Who you are, what you're doing, why you're doing it, when you met, where they are and how to do it?"

The event was the capstone of April's Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which consisted of several training events for first responders and senior leaders. Preventing sexual assault however is a 24/7 responsibility.

For those interested in becoming an Air Force Victim Advocate, the next training is scheduled for June 4-8. The 14th Flying Training Wing Sexual Assault Victims Advocate, Daisy Jones, can be reached at 434-1228. To report a sexual assault, call the sexual assault hotline at 364-0822.