April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Laura Loftin
  • 301st Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). Since its inception, SAAPM has become a highlight of the Air Force's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program. SAAPM provides a great opportunity to raise awareness and promote the prevention of sexual assault through special events held throughout the month.

This year, you will see an increased lineup of activities and special events to engage SAAPM participants.  The SAAPM events here include:

 - April 7, Teal Tuesdays - wear a teal shirt, outfit or ribbon every Tuesday in April
 - April 9, 10 a.m. Self-Defense class contact fitness center for sign up
 - April 10, 3 p.m. SAAPM Proclamation signing by 301st Fighter Wing commander
 - April 17, 11 a.m. SAPR 5K runs/walks at the Fitness Center
 - April 29, Denim Day - wear denim

SAAPM events bring together both Air Force and civilian services in support of SAPR initiatives. These events have become a great way of sending the awareness and prevention message as one voice across the force.

Also in April, we placed donation boxes by the 301st Fighter Wing SAPR office in Bldg. 1780, room 106 and wing headquarters bldg. 1654, look for the SAPR table display at the front entrance. We are looking for new undergarments (all sizes), journals, hard candy and new stuffed teddy bears (12"-15" solid neutral colors without décor) for the local Rape Crisis Center.

This year's SAAPM campaign theme: "Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know Your Part. Do Your Part." The theme provides recommendations on what we all can do.

Eliminate Sexual Assault: Every service member, at every level in our military, must know, understand and adhere to service values and standards of behavior in order to eliminate sexual assault and other inappropriate behavior.

Know Your Part: Each member of our DoD community has a unique role in preventing and responding to sexual assault. We must recognize our part in stopping this crime starting with our own awareness and knowing when and where to intervene.

Do Your Part: We have to act! If we see a crime or inappropriate behavior unfolding, we need to step in to prevent it. We each need to add our voice to the call to end this crime.

For more information on 301 FW SAAPM events, contact me at 817-782-3827.  You can also 'like' us on the 301st Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Facebook page.