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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is designated to raising awareness and promoting the prevention of violence through education and special events.

Pamela Dorsey, the 375th AMW Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, said she and her team of victim advocates are preparing activities to teach Team Scott about creating a zero-tolerance environment that stands against sexual assault or attitudes that promote it.

"We want to increase awareness about sexual assault," she said. "SAAM is a time where we pause and look at the issues of sexual assault. Right now, the military is facing a lot of challenges. We need to continue to address bystander intervention behaviors that address inappropriate attitudes toward this problem. These attitudes are still a part of our culture."

In an effort to raise sexual assault awareness, four first-term Airmen classes throughout March and April will be escorted to the Office of Special Investigations, the chapel, the 375th Medical Group, legal, and the SARC to receive information about how these places assist sexual assault victims.

Col. John Price, 375th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, will kick off SAAM and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month at a proclamation signing at 11 a.m., April 5, in the Global Reach Planning Center.

The SARC and victim advocates will also work to educate base personnel about the support available to victims of sexual assault.

"The proclamation ceremony is going to focus on what our initiatives are going to be about," the SARC said. "This year, the focus is taking responsibility and coming together as a team against the issues of sexual assault. The slogan is, 'We own it...we'll solve it...together.'"

On April 11, Bernie McGrenahan, Comedy is the Cure founder, will talk about suicide, sexual assault and alcohol abuse. There will be two showings at the base auditorium: 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. This event is mandatory for all 375th AMW personnel 18 to 26 years old.

"Bernie is phenomenal," Dorsey said. "I appreciate his ability to tie in so many important issues that we are dealing with in the culture today, such as suicide, alcohol abuse, depression and sexual assault.

"These issues are a part of his show; the audience is going to love him."

The base will also host a Zumbathon--Latin inspired and calorie-burning dance and fitness party--to bring awareness of sexual assault from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in James Gym.

"I'm very excited about Zumba this year," Dorsey said. "The theme is 'Zumba-focus on the movement ... to end sexual assault.' This will bring people together to have a good time for that cause. I'm going put on my Zumba gear and join the party."

Staff Sgt. Erika Rascon, a victim advocate, said that she is looking forward to spreading public awareness during SAAM.

"To me, SAAM signifies the Air Force addressing a very serious issue and promoting the policies of sexual assault prevention and response through special events and public education," she said. "I believe it's important to the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office and Scott because we need to make the public aware that there are resources available and people here willing to listen and help those in need."

According to DoD officials, sexual assault is a crime and violates the Air Force core values. These core values are the foundation of the Wingman culture. Scott is taking an active role in educating its members about their role in the battle against sexual assault.

The base is striving for an environment where sexual assault is not tolerated and where all Airmen are respected.