SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- In December 2019, the 52nd Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office, 52nd FW Force Support Squadron club, Airman Against Drunk Driving, and the Spangdahlem Action Team partnered together to start the “Ask For Angela” initiative on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
The initiative is designed to reduce sexual abuse on nights out by discreetly asking for help by going to the bar and asking for “Angela,” the code word, to alert staff members that the customer is feeling unsafe or uncomfortable.
Originating at a pub in Lincolnshire, United Kingdom in 2016, “Ask For Angela” has since spread and been adopted throughout the UK and can also be found in many stateside drinking establishments.
“The ultimate goal would be that the initiative would never be used but to be available if ever needed,” said 1st Lt. Lily Dollarhide, 52nd FW deputy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.
Currently the initiative is implemented at the Saber Sports Lounge and is in the process of being used in all other locations on base that serve alcohol.
“We are not doing this because of giant spikes of incidents at the club,” said Dollarhide. “This initiative is one more way we can take care of our Airmen. There is definitely a lot of people on the base that care, this is just one small way to show they can help.”
The SAPR office is open 24/7; Hotline number: 452-7272 or 0656561-7272; the number can also be found on the Spangdahlem Air Base App.