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SARC program brings powerful message to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kirsten Wicker
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  More than 750 McChord Airmen attended the sexual assault response coordinator's annual sexual assault awareness program at the base theater Monday. At the event, Airmen had an opportunity to learn from Mike Domitrz, an award-winning speaker, author and creator of the "Can I Kiss You?" program. 

The goal of the interactive program is to allow audience members to explore topics such as personal choices, support for others, respect and communication and how they fit into a sexual assault scenario. 

This information is especially appropriate this month as the Department of Defense recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Each year during this time frame, the Air Force's Sexual Assault and Prevention program brings McChord Airmen together to discuss how to prevent sexual assault and support those who have survived one. 

"Can I Kiss You?" supports the DoD's theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, said Heather Van Mill, 62nd Airlift Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. 

"Ask, act and intervene is what it's all about this year," she said. "Mr. Domitrz has a powerful message that includes challenges to each person to take a more active role in their relationships, whether that relationship is just a friendship or a dating relationship." 

"Can I Kiss You?" was developed by Mr. Domitrz from his own personal experience with sexual assault when his older sister was raped during his sophomore year in college. 

"I could not believe it [when I first heard]," he said. "My sister inspired me to take action to prevent this tragic crime from happening to others." Mr. Domitrz's program is both funny and informative. 

He engages the audience with humorous skits about dating while communicating his message about choice, respect and communication with one's partner. He also challenged Airmen to take the "Pledge to Protect." According to Mr. Domitrz, it's a pledge to protect one's family, friends and peers from potentially dangerous situations that could involve drugs, alcohol, a violent person or any other threats to their safety and well-being.
 
"I have a sister, so what Mr. Domitrz said today really impacted me," said Airman 1st Class Greg Gallagher, 62nd Operations Support Squadron, who attended Monday's program. "It's important to me to make sure she is protected. I will definitely share his insights with her next time we talk." 

At the end of the hour-long program, Mr. Domitrz left the audience with one key message.

 "'Can I Kiss You?' is really about three core things," he said. "Give the other person a choice, open the door of communication and always, always show respect for survivors of sexual assault by not undermining their situation."