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Sexual assault response – it matters

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  • By Kimberly Woodruff
  • Staff Writer
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, OKLAHOMA --  As part of its Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month activities, Tinker hosted members of the Oklahoma City Police Department last week. Captains Ron Bacy and Paco Balderama briefed senior leaders on the city's program for addressing sexual assault.

The officers spoke of how they are changing the way police officers respond to sexual violence. Col. Lea Kirkwood, 72nd Air Base Wing vice commander, explained the briefing was intended to give base leaders an understanding of how the Oklahoma City Police Department pursues its cases.

"Understanding their system helps us to work better with them," said Colonel Kirkwood. "It is important to remember that the two systems are different, civilian organizations have separate lines of authority and the Air Force is aligned through a single chain of command."

She said if anyone has questions, they should call the Judge Advocate office.
Captain Balderama relayed recent statistics that stated 53 percent of victims tell someone such as a friend or family member before telling the police, only 40 percent report to law enforcement and only 41 percent seek medical treatment.

In Oklahoma, there were 773 sexual crime cases last year.

"We need to respond in a positive way," said Capt. Balderama. He warned that it is important to get the facts, even if the story isn't 100 percent believable.

"When we respond negatively and don't believe, the victim doesn't heal," he said, adding that it isn't their job to judge the victim. "She didn't deserve to get raped because she was out at night, going to bars or wearing certain clothes." He also said most victims don't fight back, for many reasons. "In fact, women usually don't and only about 7 percent of men do."

With any crime, there is an investigation, but Captain Balderama said there are challenges that make sex crimes different.

"Sex victims won't talk initially, (which is different than) if someone's wheel rims are stolen they are talking to tell you everything they know," he said.

Captain Bacy talked about other challenges police officers sometimes face when investigating a sex crime.

"Sometimes there is a challenge because of delayed reporting or inconsistencies in the victim's story," he said. "A lack of evidence, the victim having a history with law enforcement, or a party lifestyle such as going to clubs, prostitution and so on can jade your views."

Captain Bacy offered some tips for responding to a sex crime.

· Make the victim feel safe by approaching calmly, but do not overprotect or patronize them.

· Interview them in private, but ask them if they would like a support person there with them.

· Avoid intersecting their emotions with your own, but be sensitive during the initial interview.

"Also be mindful of personal information, and remember that the crime is humiliating to them," he said. "You should encourage them to seek medical attention and to seek advocacy or counseling. Lastly, remember that it is normal for a victim to forget or want to forget what just happened to them."

Special Agent Mike Maziarz, with the Office of Special Investigations, had one final thought for commanders and first sergeants.

"It is so important how you react as the first sergeant or commander, so check your prejudices at the door," he said. "Have an appropriate reaction and get the victim the help they need."