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Mock-trial demonstrates consequences of sexual assault

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Terri Paden
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Court was in full swing as First Term Airman Center students attempted to decide the verdict of a simulated sexual assault case during a mock trial at the 15th Wing Judge Advocate office April 7.

The mock trial featured real facts from a previous trial reenacted with a script by Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office volunteers. The hour-long educational demonstration documented the finding portion of the trial that the victim and accused perpetrator endure in court.

"We do this to show new Airmen the legal aspects of a sexual assault to help make them aware of the process and legal consequences they may face," said Capt. Christopher Simmons, 15th WG JA chief of assistance.

Simmons said the mock trial scenario was chosen because it represented the most frequently tried cases involving alcohol.

"This was both an educational and preventative measure," Simmons said of the event, which was open to the base community. "It shows them the process from both points of view and hopefully helps make them aware of the issues that could crop up if bad decisions are made, and shows them the impact the judicial process can have on both the victim and the accused."

According to Simmons, the mock trial is also intended to help connect the Airmen in the audience to the importance of bystander intervention and address issues of drinking and consent.

"Usually you're told about the legal process during sexual assault training but you never get to see it so I was interested to see that it plays out as any other legal proceeding ... it's an actual trial," said Airman 1st Class Jordan Zylstra-Doyle, a first-term Airman assigned to the 324th Intelligence Squadron.

Zylstra-Doyle said he also appreciated the interactive training because it led to audience questions and discussions that may not have been raised in any other setting.

"This definitely has shown that it's important, even if two people know each other very well, to intervene if they are drinking and bad decisions could be made," he said. "If you intervene early you can prevent things from getting out of hand and becoming a bad situation like this."

Machelle Terrell, 15th WG Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, advises that consent is about mutual respect--even when drinking is involved.

"No one wins in this situation, not the unit, either individual or the Air Force," she said. "All of us play an important part in prevention by being active bystanders."