Kadena holds first SAPR leadership panel

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zade C. Vadnais
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Commanders, first sergeants, superintendents and other leaders from various units around Kadena met to discuss the sexual assault prevention and response investigation process during a leadership panel at the Schilling Community Center April 14.

The panel, which was the first of its kind on Kadena and was designed to resemble a town hall meeting, was intended to give leaders an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns and contribute to a discussion about the SAPR investigation process.

In order to provide comprehensive perspective, representatives from the Chaplain corps, the legal office, mental health, the office of special investigations, the special victim's council, the equal opportunity office, the SAPR office and the vice commander were present to speak with those in attendance.

"The main purpose of the event was to have an open discussion with all the subject matter experts so people could ask questions they may not have an opportunity to ask otherwise," said Capt. Elizabeth Belleau, 18th Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "The intent was to give them a venue where they have subject matter experts from every agency that would be involved in a case from the time a sexual assault report is made to the time it is finished judicially in one spot to answer any questions."

Due to the fact that individuals in leadership positions are typically the ones interacting with the SAPR office and are often responsible for the victim, the accused or both, the panel was geared toward higher-ranking individuals. However, Belleau said the success of the event has prompted the SAPR team to consider holding similar panels for individuals in the NCO and junior enlisted tiers as well.

"I'm really satisfied with how well the event went," said Tech. Sgt. Adam Karimi Saleh, 18th Wing NCO in charge of SAPR. "There was a great discussion and a lot of good information; we're even talking about holding another one later this year."

Belleau said she hopes the attendees walked away from the panel feeling better equipped to respond to a sexual assault and support those involved, as well as with a broader understanding of the investigation process and all the agencies involved.

"There are so many different players involved in an investigation--there's so much going on," Belleau said. "We're all working to do our best throughout the process."

To learn more about Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and the events being held by the SAPR team, click here.