Sexual assault awareness through comedy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  "Can I kiss you?"

What seems to be the beginning of a romantic movie is actually a part of a show hosted by Mike Domitrz who came to Osan Air Base, March 27-28, to educate Airmen about sexual assault.

According to Domitrz, the interactive program is designed to show people how to do the right thing when it comes to dating, marriage or even stepping in to prevent sexual assaults from occurring.

"I have been traveling with this program for two decades," he said. "The military reached out to me about seven years ago so I have been traveling to bases all over the world to get people involved."

Stemming from his own sister being raped, Domitrz wanted to be proactive and started teaching on what not to do and how to help others, he said. Through an interactive show, Airmen here were able to get on stage and act out scenarios that gave the audience maximum participation.

But none of the program was heavy in nature. Comedy was a major factor in the teaching.

"It's made to be fun and not boring," he said. "I want people to take this back with them and remember that asking your partner first is a great way to go."

"I think the program is great for men and women to know that asking is not a sign of weakness," said 1st Lt. Jessica Zamparini, 51st Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "It takes more confidence to ask than to just go for it because you have to prepare for the answer, and it might surprise people to see that partners might become more receptive. This also goes for married couples."

The show also introduced instances where stepping in to prevent sexual assault were necessary. For Osan, victim advocates are standing by to assist and welcome other people to join the team.

"We are always looking for victim advocates," Zamparini said. "Bottom line is we need to be good wingmen and look out for each other. It's our responsibility to step in, not just because we are Air Force members but because we are good people, and good people take care of each other."

(No statement above implies endorsement of this private organization by the Department of Defense)