Sexual assaults and domestic violence at Fort Hood prompts "stand-down"

Violence increase at Ft Hood prompts 'stand down day'
By: Chie Saito



Fort Hood Commander Lt. Gen. Donald Campbell declared Thursday Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Stand Down Day. It was a day intended to help eliminate what the Army called "an enemy within their ranks."

Soldiers with Fort Hood’s Headquarter Support Company, III Corps, filled the Old Post Chapel Thursday as part of the post-wide event. Lt. Gen. Campbell ordered the stand down after concerns over a recent increase in the number of reported sexual assault and domestic violence cases.

According to Fort Hood officials, during the week of April 10th-16th there were 11 cases of domestic violence and two reported cases of sexual assault. From May 8th-14th, there were 10 reported cases of domestic violence and three cases of sexual assault.

During the event, soldiers completed classes that taught specific warning signs to look out for in fellow soldiers and intervention techniques to prevent sexual assault.

"After this training, I will be more engaged to watch people to make sure that if something dramatically has changed to where they're acting differently in a situation, I'll be there for them, ask questions and be more involved," Sfc Thomas Ribas said.

According to Army statistics for the 2009 fiscal year, sexual assaults comprised 67 percent of violence in the Army. Fifty-nine percent of those cases involved a soldier being assaulted by a fellow soldier.
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Violence increase at Ft Hood prompts 'stand down day'