April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month Published March 25, 2008 By Maj. Carina Givens 501st Combat Support Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator RAF ALCONBURY -- For the fourth year in a row, the Department of Defense and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center designated April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The theme this year is "Prevent Sexual Assault: Ask, Act, Intervene." Sexual assault is not tolorated in the Air Force. Sexual assault is a crime and strikes at the heart of Air Force values, potentially eroding mutual trust, endangering mission accomplishment and destroying individual lives. One of the weapons used by those who commit sexual assaults is alcohol. Alcohol has been called the "weapon of choice." It is easily accessible, easily used, quick in its effect, and often leaves a victim confused, unaware of what happened, and even instills some guilt in that the victim thinks "I had it coming to me." This year Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, The Honorable Michael Dominguez, wants SAAM events to emphasize the role alcohol plays in sexual assaults. Last year in USAFE, 74 percent of the reported alleged sexual assaults involved alcohol. It is important potential victims are aware of that fact. It is also important bystanders know this fact. Bystanders, usually friends of the victim or of the person who sexually assaults others, have a unique and powerful role to play in sexual assault prevention. They sometimes even know when one of their "buddies" is going out for the night for the main purpose of getting involved sexually with someone, even if getting consent is not a concern. They can step in early and easily interrupt a sexual assault that is in progress. Across U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Sexual Assault Response Coordinators are planning an awareness campaign to expose many of the myths and explain many of the realities of sexual assault. Activities are listed below: 501 CSW Kick-off Tea with Tree Dedication, RAF Alconbury Community Activities Center Literature Display, RAF Alconbury Library, 31 Mar - 31 Apr Information Displays, various locations at RAFs Alconbury, Croughton, Molesworth, Fairford, Menwith Hill, Upwood Strike Out Sexual Assault, free bowling, RAF Menwith Hill bowling center Ribbon Tree, RAF Fairford Self defense class, RAF Fairford Awareness Month announcements on marquees Fun Run, RAF Croughton All Airmen are asked to be responsible Wingmen, not only this special month but also throughout their career. Without proper consent, sexual encounters can easily cross over a critical boundary and change from an innocent, welcomed activity to one of a major crime. With prosecution, the punishment will end a career and the individual will be labeled as a sexual predator for a lifetime. Beware and be aware: Ask, Act, and Intervene to stop sexual assault in the community. Call your local SARC at DSN 247-3020 or commercial 07921 94 0844 to help.