April promotes sexual assault awareness, prevention

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Veronica McMahon
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year the 36th Wing encourages members to continue their commitment toward putting an end to sexual violence.

The theme for SAAM this April is, "Hurts one... affects all," emphasizing that prevention of sexual assault is everyone's duty.

"Ultimately, sexual assault is a crime that not only affects the individual, but their friends, family and fellow military members," said 1st Lt. Masha Scheglov, 36th Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "Coming out to participate during SAAM is a good way to recognize victims of sexual assault; they are survivors. By giving them our support, we are recognizing just how much they have overcome."

Scheglov added that sexual assault is a serious topic everyone should always be aware of, and during SAAM, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office highlights its programs to the base.

"We are constantly varying up the way in which we reach audiences with our message, and with this being SAAM, people get the chance to participate in many fun events," she said. "Only through education and information can we raise awareness and tackle this issue."

"We have plenty of events coming up to promote sexual assault awareness," said Senior Airman Jackie Scott, SAPR victim advocate. "We encourage everyone to come out here, have fun and join Team Andersen in the fight against sexual violence."

For those looking to join the nation in its fight against the crime of sexual assault, Team Andersen is scheduled to host various events throughout the month to promote general education and prevention.

Events include:

· April 3 - SAAM 5K: 6 a.m. show time, 6:30 a.m. go time. Runners should assemble at the Palm Tree Golf Course driving range. No registration necessary.

· April 8 - "How to avoid falling in love with a Jerk(ette)," held by the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Bldg. 21000 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

· April 11 - 13 - SAAM information fair: sexual assault prevention and response and family advocacy personnel will be at The Exchange at Andersen AFB on April 11 and 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and April 13 at the Andersen Commissary from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Materials pertaining to sexual assault prevention awareness and child abuse prevention will be provided along with SAPR promotional items and complementary baked goods.

· April 22 - 23 - The "No Zebras. No Excuses." show will be held at the Base Theater on April 22 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and on April 23 at 11 a.m. This presentation focuses on bystander intervention.

· April 24 - 25 - A self-defense class, open for all to attend, is scheduled at the Hot Spot gym on April 24 at 5 p.m. and on April 25 at 1 p.m.

· April 26 - Denim Day is an alternate uniform of the day for Team Andersen members, to include Andersen Elementary and Middle School students. Jeans and a sexual assault awareness t-shirt or any other tasteful and appropriate t-shirt are permitted.

· April 30 - A self-defense class will be conducted for Key Spouses from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hot Spot gym. Any spouse or child of a currently deployed member of Team Andersen may participate.

For more information contact the SARC office at 366-7714.