SARC uses 'Sex Signals' to educate Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stacy Sanchez
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Using improvisation as a way to captivate an audience and truly get a message across about sexual assaults, Airmen watched the Catharsis Production comedy show "Sex Signals" April 14, here at the Strike Eagle Complex. 

"Sex Signals", an improv comedy, is intended to educate audiences on the issues with dating, sex and rape within the military.

As a way to highlight April as Sexual Assault Awareness month, RAF Lakenheath Sexual Assault Response Coordinators felt using the show's different approach to sexual assault would help Airmen to educate themselves and gain better knowledge of the United States' most un-reported crime. 

"Yearly, our Airmen are briefed on sexual assault awareness through briefings and power point presentations, so we thought a comedy show would put a different spin on how we educate them," said Capt. Heather Fennel, a SARC representative. "The show really gives realistic scenarios of what our Airmen see and face when they are out amongst their peers." 

To make the improv as real as possible for Airmen, the actors, Courtney Abbot and Ben Murrie asked for Airmen's opinions to describe a typical "bar scenario". Airmen chose the male finance worker who claimed to be a pilot, while the female was a civilian who was clueless about the military lifestyle. 

This was one of many funny, yet educational scenarios about dating and sex. More serious skits included Airmen in the dormitories, house parties as well as a talk show where Mr. Murrie tried to convince the audience he had not raped a girl. 

"I really enjoyed the skits today," said Airman 1st Class Edward Perry, 48th Security Forces Squadron patrolmen. "I thought it was very interesting, and the comedy they use really helped me take in all the information they had to give." 

Airman Perry also added that the performers were very well educated on military acronyms and customs. 

"They really related to Airmen, to the point where I was always waiting to see what they were going to say next," Airman Perry said. "They were also educated on the statistics of rape. I did not know that 80 percent of rapes occur with someone you know." 

The SARC office hopes to incorporate a program like this again next year. 

"Hopefully, with this program people have learned how they can become an active participant in the prevention of sexual assault," Captain Fennel said. "We must change the views and attitudes of our own perceptions, this needs to be a culture shift, which may take some time. With enough training and presentations like the one we just saw, it will happen." 

Airmen interested in becoming a Victim Advocate or anyone who has questions regarding sexual assault can call 226-3765 or 226-SARC.