Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- President Barack Obama recently issued a national proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
One in four American women has been the victim of a rape or attempted rape, according to the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate individuals and communities on how to prevent sexual assault.
If you are a victim of a sexual assault, Kirtland Air Force Base has an emergency hotline for sexual assault reporting -- 846-7272.
Recently, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Organization, in coordination with Kirtland AFB, held a 40-hour victim advocate training program for nine new volunteers. Volunteers received training in identifying sexual trauma, confidentiality, self-care, and reflective listing skills, among others. Kirtland AFB now has 21 trained victim advocates.
"These volunteers are appointed to cases when a sexual assault is reported to the Kirtland AFB sexual assault response coordinator. Each volunteer is on-call for a seven-day, 24-hour rotation. Volunteers also help with sexual assault prevention and response activities, present briefings throughout the year to the First Term Airman's Center and other newcomers and provide support for SAAM and other events," said Pamela Reeves, Kirtland AFB Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.
For more information on the victim advocate program or how to become a victim advocate, call the SARC office at 846-6297.
Other SAAM activities include:
Health and Wellness Center Pedometer Challenge
The challenge will take place April 13, 20 and 27, 10 to 11 a.m.
To register, visit the AFMC wellness website at www.afmcwellness.com.
Look for Team Pedometer Challenge and click on the enrollment button under the news and announcements section. Participants will receive a pedometer challenge water bottle, safety whistles and gym towels, courtesy of SAPRO.
For more information, call the HAWC at 846-1186.
SARC Pizza and Movie Dorm Nights
"The Line" will be shown April 18, 19, 20 and 25, at 6 p.m. This movie explores where the "line of consent" falls for each individual.
Small group discussions will follow the movie.
The base chapel and SARC will provide pizza, soft drinks and desserts.
Seating is limited.
Sign up with your dorm manager.