EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator's office stands ready to assist sexual assault victims.
Sexual assault reporting in the Air Force increased by nine percent in fiscal year 2019, according to the Department of Defense FY 2019 annual report on sexual assault in the military.
Lauren Barboza, Eglin Air Force Base's SARC, said her office executes a proactive and comprehensive sexual assault prevention and response program.
Barboza said one of base leadership's goals is to ensure a safe environment that reduces sexual assault, sexual violence and interpersonal violence.
"Leadership is important in all aspects of the SAPR program," she said. "We provide Team Eglin leadership with the necessary tools to help a military or civilian member in a sexual assault."
One SARC objective is to identify gaps in SAPR services, where problems can occur. Gaps can happen in areas like program implementation, assessment tools and program strategies.
"We want to close those gaps using sound principles and sound management," she said.
SAPR training is conducted quarterly through channels like commander's talking points, commander's calls, unit or squadron small group facilitations, and online.
"The training gives us the opportunity to give updates, clear up myths and misconceptions and assess gaps," said Barboza.
Air Force SARC teams are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to address any questions or concerns.