April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Amy Pearson
  • Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  The Department of Defense is taking a stand against sexual assault as it observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month during April.

This annual event provides the opportunity to increase knowledge and promote prevention of this crime through special events and public education.

This year's Sexual Assault Awareness Month theme is "Stand Up Against Sexual Assault ... Make a Difference," which encompasses an attitude toward prevention of this violent crime, reminding everyone that - leaders, peers and subordinates - can make differences through our actions. Lack of action only makes the crime worse. DOD policies address sexual assault prevention, seeking to establish a climate of confidence in which:

· Education and training create an environment in which sexual assault and the attitudes that promote it are not tolerated,

· Victims of sexual assault receive the care and support that they need, and

· Offenders are held accountable for their actions.

Sexual assault is one of the most underreported violent crimes in America today. Since the military is not impervious to this trend, the DOD strives to ensure that servicemembers are aware that sexual assault crimes are not tolerated.

To combat sexual assault, the DOD has implemented the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, which incorporates policy that reinforces a culture of prevention, response and accountability. The goal of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of all members of the armed forces through training and education programs, treatment and support of victims.

Since 2004, advancements in reporting options helped create a climate of confidence in reporting. One of the policies implemented in 2005 was the restricted reporting option, which enables victims to come forward without triggering the investigative process and still receive the care they deserve.

Sixty-five percent of the increase in sexual assault reports involving members of the service can be attributed to the restricted reporting option that began in June 2005. This alternate choice, coupled with enhanced awareness of sexual assault and vigorous training, has encouraged more victims to take a stand against their assailant.

Take an active stand in learning more about sexual assault and its prevention. Your efforts could have a long-term effect on one of your fellow servicemembers. Prevention is the key. Make a difference.

For more information, contact the Kirtland SARC at 853-1957 during normal duty hours or for emergencies and evenings, contact 846-SARC (7272).

What to Do if You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

· Go to a safe location away from the attacker.

· Preserve all evidence of the assault. Do not bathe, wash your hands or brush your teeth. Do not clean or straighten up the crime scene.

· Contact your sexual assault response coordinator, victim advocate or healthcare provider.

· Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you do not have any visible physical injuries, you may be at risk of becoming pregnant or acquiring a sexually transmitted disease.

· Ask the healthcare provider to conduct a sexual assault exam to preserve forensic evidence.

· If you suspect that drugs were involved in the assault, request that a urine sample be collected.

· Write down, tape or record by any other means all the details you can recall about the assault and your assailant.