Sexual Assault Awareness Month:"Hurts one...affects all."

  • Published
  • By Capt. Erin O'toole and Brittany Luddington
  • 354th Fighter Wing Alternate SARC and SARC Assistant
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The month of April is designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and brings an opportunity to focus on the education and prevention of sexual violence. The Department of Defense's theme for this year's SAAM is, "Hurts one...Affects all. Preventing sexual assault is everyone's duty."

The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator's office has planned multiple events to commemorate this month of awareness for both military members and the base community.

The events include the Clothesline Project, a donation drive for the Interior Alaska Center for non-violent living, Pledge Day, and a teal ribbon handout. Eielson will also host the live production of Sex Signals.

The Clothesline Project is an opportunity for military members, civilian employees, and their family members to decorate a T-shirt to express their feelings regarding different types of sexual violence. The SARC office will accept all entries to include anonymous ones.

The T-shirts will be displayed in different areas of the base and serve as an insight and a reminder of the victims of sexual assault. Some victims may still be suffering in silence and the Clothesline Project is our community's opportunity to show them support.

There are many other opportunities for community members to show support.

The donation drive will benefit the Interior Alaska Center for non-violent living, which is a 24-hour domestic violence and sexual assault shelter. At the present time, the shelter is in great need of new or gently used towels, hygiene products, and clothing items, art supplies for children and healing groups, and baby formula. IAC can also utilize many household items in their transitional living program.

To schedule a time to drop off donation items, contact Brittany Luddington at 377-0027. A donation box will also be located on the third floor of the Airman and Family Readiness building in room 304 for anyone wishing to drop off items after hours.

Throughout Eielson, teal ribbons will be handed out as a representation of the support that is shown to victims of sexual assault, as well as the individual commitment of the community to end sexual violence.

In an effort to get the message out about sexual assault awareness other programs have also been added.

The shows Sex Signals will be open for attendance April 8 and 9. There will be four different opportunities to experience this show. Sex Signals differs from traditional sexual assault prevention programs because the actors incorporate improvisational comedy, education, and audience interaction to provide an engaging look at dating, sex, and the core issue of consent.

Attendance at a Sex Signals performance will be mandatory for all dorm residents, and highly encouraged to all other personnel on base.
For more information on the different SAAM activities or for information regarding the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, the please contact your SARC office at 377-0027 or the 24-hour hotline number at 377-7272.