Sex signals prevent sexual assualt

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard took the opportunity to inform Airmen about sexual assault awareness with "Sex Signals" presentations April 20. 

The program uses improvisation and audience interaction to address sensitive and embarrassing topics with an untraditional approach. The two presenters used role playing, humor and realistic scenarios to educate the audience on the realities of sexual assault. 

Sharyon Culberson, one of the presenters, said about 80 percent of rape victims know their attacker and alcohol is involved in more than 90 percent of sexual assault cases. 

Topics discussed also include stereotypes, first impressions, sexual innuendos, the importance of stopping when asked to do so and the importance of interfering. 

One of the most unusual parts of the presentation was showing the attackers point-of-view in a rape scenario. In this particular scenario, the attacker did not believe he was at fault because the victim did not fight back. 

Some audience members felt that the different methods made it easier to learn about sexual assault. 

"I thought the interactive setting and seeing both sides of a rape scenario was helpful," said Staff Sgt. Vanessa Smith, 82nd Training Group NCO in charge. "Knowing what to look for and the importance of interfering will help me to be a good wingman." 

Deputy sexual assault response coordinator, 2nd Lt. Jacinta Anderson-Lujano, said the interaction with the audience helps the message get across because the audience is participating and learning. 

"We're trying to prevent sexual assault and the participation is training people to talk about the sexual assault," she said. "People must have open discussions so those who listen won't make the wrong choices." 

The presenters of the program agreed, adding that the traditional form of educating others about sexual assault through PowerPoint presentations doesn't always get the message across. 

"What we've seen is that people groan with PowerPoint. Humor loosens people up and leaves them open to learn," Ms. Culberson said. She said communicating with each other about important issues will make the message last beyond the presentation. "People need to be talking about these topics," said Ms. Culberson.