Sexual Assault Awareness Month observed on base Published April 1, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Herard 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Have you noticed teal ribbons along Scott Drive on base recently? The teal ribbons represent Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is observed in April. This year Team Scott is also including white ribbons, which are a statement by men supporting the end of violence against women and girls. Additionally, Col. Gary Goldstone, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, signed the campaign for sexual assault prevention response awareness March 24. "I charge each member of Team Scott to take this plan to heart and to be a good Wingman," said Colonel Goldstone. "Sexual assault is totally incompatible with who we are as an Air Force and our core values. It's a matter of force protection and readiness at every level. We must eradicate 'blue-on-blue' violence in our ranks." The campaign plan focuses on specific prevention initiatives including: first responder training, victim advocate training, bystander intervention training, targeted group engagement training, collaboration with civilian authorities, and a dorm focus. As part of the plan, Airmen will sign a statement of understanding. The statement informs Airmen that they are to remain professional 24-hours a day and "blue-on-blue" violence is a criminal offense. Airmen also have the responsibility to recognize and intervene as a Wingman when they see a situation developing that could lead to sexual assault. All Airmen 18-24, which is the group that is statistically most-at-risk, will have a statement on file and it will be reviewed yearly by squadron commanders. The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Pamela Dorsey, said, "The campaign plan will take the sexual assault program to another level in prevention. As each Airman gets a better understanding of what 'Hurts One Affects All,' means they will be more apt to intervene whenever they witness inappropriate behavior."