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Scott families walk for SAPR ‘Take Back the Night’

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Team Scott walked together April 30 for Take Back the Night, a walk to symbolize unity against sexual assault and spread awareness about Scott's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program.

The walk took place in the Patriot's Landing neighborhood, and more than 80 Scott community members participated in the event, which is popular as a way to speak out against violence. It points out that individuals shouldn't be afraid to walk down the street at night.

Pamela Dorsey, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator, said the first-time event was a success as a form of outreach and education.

"There are violent events that happen to men and women at nighttime, making it a time where it makes many fearful, women especially, to go out at night, so we always take precautionary measures," said Dorsey, "But this event empowers us to take the night back, to not be fearful, to come together as a community to say that we are going to stand against sexual assault."

The walk gave the opportunity for not just active duty but families also to be involved and learn more about the importance of sexual assault prevention, because the effects of these crimes don't only effect the victim but their families as well.

Firefighters from the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron, members of the 375th Security Forces Squadron, and the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America came out to support the event.

"If we stand together as women and men, we are powerful and we can make a difference when it comes to sexual assault," Dorsey said.

Col. Kyle Kremer, 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander, said before the walk, "For the past several years, our focus on response has been successful in providing tremendous support to victims. Now we can focus more on awareness and prevention...to reach our ultimate goal of preventing these acts in the first place. The statistics are baring out that it's working and making a difference. All the training and events, like this walk, increase awareness, which help victims come forward as well. Thanks for showing your support to stamp out this terrible act."

Kremer touched on keeping in mind that SAPR knowledge may be useful at any time of the year if an individual or a friend does need that support.

"Though this is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, our focus on awareness continues throughout the year," he said.

Dorsey said, "It was an awesome event for the first time, and next year it should be even better. It was encouraging to me to see families come out to eat, play, and display the glowing items to light up the walk."

This walk's final goal was to help people remember the awareness spread during SAPR month, and to do that, SAPR representatives involve families in sexual assault awareness to strengthen their purpose and make it more a part of Scott's culture.