Air Force Pulls Sexual Assault Prevention Brochure

Air Force Pulls Sexual Assault Prevention Brochure
Associated Press
by Donna Cassata
Jul 09, 2013

WASHINGTON - The Air Force has pulled a brochure circulated at a South Carolina base after a lawmaker complained about some objectionable advice to sexual assault victims-such as submitting to an attack rather than resisting.

Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., who had complained about the brochure in May, on Tuesday released a copy of a letter she received from the Pentagon informing her of the Air Force's decision and steps the services are taking to deal with the epidemic of sexual assault in the ranks, including reviewing its prevention material.

"We have reviewed the Shaw Air Force Base brochure you mentioned in your letter," Jessica Wright, acting undersecretary of defense, wrote to Slaughter. "We share your concerns over some of the materials presented, and the Air Force has withdrawn the brochure from circulation."

The letter was dated June 20, received by Slaughter's office during last week's congressional recess and released on Tuesday.

The brochure contained some common-sense recommendations, such as checking around a car before entering and using dead-bolt locks and peepholes when home alone. It also included advice that the congresswoman described as victim-blaming and inappropriate as the military struggles with the problem of sexual assault.
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