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April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Danielle Duso
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing, Deputy SARC
SCOTT AIR FORCEBASE, Ill. --  Nationally, and within the Department of Defense, April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, or SAAPM, beginning with a proclamation by President Barack Obama in 2005. During April, efforts are made to raise awareness about the most under-reported crime in our nation--sexual assault.

The teal ribbon was selected as a symbol for sexual assault awareness and prevention throughout April and the remainder of the year.

The DoD theme for this year's SAAPM is "Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know Your Part. Do Your Part."

Throughout April, special events and educational activities are planned that focus on providing support and resources to survivors of this life-altering trauma. Recently, the spotlight has been not only been on supporting victims, but educating military and civilian DoD personnel to recognize and address behaviors that constitute harassment creating environments that support SA behaviors. This is one way individuals can do their part to reach the ultimate goal--eliminating sexual assault.

The Scott Air Force Base Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, or SAPR, team will be hosting this year's SAAPM through a variety of events across the installation. All members of Team Scott are highly encouraged to take part. In support of SAAPM, teal ribbons will be displayed down Scott Drive for the entire month. There will also be articles each week in the Command Post, on the Scott Air Force Base web page and on social media that highlight a different aspect of SAPR including victim advocates, leadership perspectives, reporting options and event coverage.

Events will include awareness materials being passed out at each gate throughout the month, a surprise kick-off event on April 1 with a proclamation signing, a 5K fun run/walk on April 16 and a "Take Back the Night" walk during the evening of April 30.

Anyone and everyone can participate in SAAPM through education, survivor support and joining events throughout April. Individuals can know their part and do their part by stopping an inappropriate comment, providing support to a victim, briefing their unit about inappropriate behaviors or a variety of other options. An easy way to display your support is by wearing teal throughout April, especially to SAAPM events.

While SAAPM is a great way to kickstart sexual assault awareness, it can't end there. Preventing sexual assault doesn't just matter in April--everyone must know their part and do their part all year, every year.

This year's annual SAPR training will include a 90 minute large group discussion in addition to three small group discussions within the units. Training sessions will scheduled through unit leadership beginning in April and continuing through September.

For additional information about an event or how to know your part, please call the Scott Air Force Base SAPR office at 256-4196 or refer to the calendar of events in the Command Post and on the Scott AFB Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Facebook page.