Sexual Assault Awareness Month kicks off in April

  • Published
  • By Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As Sexual assault is a crime that is not compatible with military service, the Department of Defense and other organizations across the nation observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month each April.This annual event provides the opportunity to highlight the efforts that the DoD and military services are taking to combat the crime and promote prevention through special activities and public education.

This year's theme for SAAM is Prevent Sexual Assault: Ask! Act! Intervene!

The theme was chosen as a reminder that actions can make a difference in someone's life. Lack of action puts friends, families and co-workers in jeopardy. When you see someone who looks like they could use assistance, ask them if they need help. When they ask for help, be sure to step in and assist. If someone doesn't recognize trouble, do something to intervene and prevent the situation from becoming worse.

Within the last three years, the DoD and military services have created new policies to address sexual assault prevention. The goal of this new approach is to establish a climate of confidence throughout the military in which:

· Sexual assault and the attitudes that promote it are not tolerated,

· Victims of sexual assault receive the care and support that they need, and,

· Offenders are held accountable for their actions.

Find out more about what you can do to prevent sexual assault by participating in local SAAM events during the month of April. Your efforts could have a long-term effect on fellow service members. Prevent sexual assault and make a difference.

The following SAAM events will take place throughout the month of April.

"Awareness" Walk -- April 3, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
This community opportunity to help raise awareness about the dangerous intersection between sexual assault and alcohol is open to all. Items to include t-shirts, water bottles and key chains will be given to participants. The walk will begin at the base theater parking lot. Contact Master Sgt. Teresa Gomez at 423-7721 for more details.

Self-Defense Training (for women only) -- April 11 and 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Two free 4-hour seminars instructed by SafeQuest Solano are open to military members, military family members and federal civilian employees. Reservations are required. Call 424-1105 for more details and/or to reserve a slot.

"Refuse to be a Victim®" training -- April 17, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This 2 ½-hour free seminar taught by the Fairfield Police Department is open to military members, military family members and federal civilian employees. Reservations required. Call 424-1105 for more details and/or to reserve a slot.
"Remote Control" performances -- April 24
Remote Control explores the relationship between two characters who are dating and their male friend who introduced them and becomes an involved bystander. Using an imagined "remote control" device, the narrator stops, rewinds and replays various scenarios while the actors incorporate the audience's observations and suggestions into the action of play. Times and locations will be announced at a later date. Contact Ms. Foster at 424-1105 for further details.

The "Clothesline Project" (throughout the month)
The project allows sexual assault survivors to express thoughts and emotions about their experience by decorating a t-shirt. The t-shirts will be incorporated into a sexual assault awareness display. Planned display areas are (but not limited to): the Commissary, Base Exchange, Sierra Inn Dining Facility, Base Fitness Center, 60th Air Mobility Wing Headquarters Bldg., 349th AMW Headquarters Bldg., Maintenance Group Atrium, David Grant USAF Medical Center, The Peak, Airman and Family Readiness Center, VQ-3 (Navy), and 402nd Field Artillery Brigade (Army). For more information, contact Master Sgt. Bonnie Morrow at 424-4337.