Air Force holds sexual assault offenders accountable, sexual assault convictions are now on-line

  • Published
  • By Col. Angela Cadwell
  • 501st Combat Support Wing commander
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  You should know that the Air Force now publishes sexual assault convictions on-line. Anyone can go to this website and review more than 100 sexual assault convictions from across the Air Force, to include viewing them by base. This list is not all inclusive of all sexual assault punishments, only court-martial convictions.

I take allegations of sexual assault very seriously. Since 2010, the AFOSI detachment at RAF Alconbury has investigated 18 cases of sexual assault within our ranks. Of the completed investigations, outcomes for sexual assault allegations and conduct related to the allegations have resulted in letters of reprimand to Article 15s and Article 32 hearings to Court Martials.

After a few minutes of reviewing the facts of these cases, you will soon see many of the cases listed on the website are very similar - they involve: the use of alcohol; the absence of personal respect for the victim; and the absence of the victims' consent. You will also quickly see the Airmen, who are convicted of sexual assault, can be held accountable by military judges and court-martial panels with punishments often including jail time, rank reductions and punitive discharges.

A number of these cases involve Airmen assaulting fellow Airmen. Many times, these victims were co-workers or former friends - people who trusted their assailant. The offenders elected to violate that trust and were punished accordingly. As required by many state laws, convicted Airmen must also register in their jurisdiction's sexual assault registry. These sex offender lists include the names and addresses of convicted sex offenders and are publicly available on-line.

As of two months ago, Airmen who commit a sexual assault will have administrative discharge proceedings initiated against them and may be retained only if they meet a cumulative multi-part test. For Airmen in the 501st CSW, I can waive this requirement, but only after I decide the Airman meets the same multi-part retention test.

I encourage all of you to visit the website below and review the facts of the cases, then educate and warn each other about the consequences of committing these crimes. When you see a situation that isn't right, be a good wingman; intervene and insist your fellow Airmen treat others with respect. You'll regret being a passive bystander when a few words may positively change the lives of Airmen around you.

Finally, I want you to know that I support victims of sexual assault 100 percent. If you need help, call our Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team at DSN 247-3020 or 07921-940-844. They will help you; they will believe you; their sole mission is to provide you with the care and resources you need to help you throughout your recovery.

Now go visit the website: http://www.afjag.af.mil/sexualassaultprosecution/index.asp.