Working together to combat sexual assault Published April 2, 2013 By Tena Dominguez Vance Sexual Assault Prevention & Response office VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Nationally, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to commit to raising awareness and promoting the prevention of sexual violence. Local recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, sponsored by the Vance Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office, will include several events throughout the month. Col. Darren James, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, signed a proclamation April 1 making April Sexual Assault Awareness Month at Vance. Teal colored bows were tied around the trees at both the Hairston and Baker gates. The bows are a reminder of the commitment to prevent sexual assault, not just in the month of April, but every day, all year long. The SAPR office will host a "Kick the Silence" kickball tournament at 3 p.m., April 30, at the base softball fields. Families are encouraged to come out and cheer on the teams. Throughout the month, a "Survivor's Story" exhibit will be at different locations on base. The exhibit provides a glimpse into the courage of a survivor coping with the trauma of a sexual assault. "The climate in the military has changed, but together Team Vance is committed to validating victims of sexual assault, educating personnel, owning the problem and finding a solution," said Terri Presa, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at Vance. This year's Sexual Assault Awareness Month theme is "We own it... We'll solve it... Together." "We own it" emphasizes the problem and our commitment to solving it. "We'll solve it" establishes a culture where bystanders intervene, offenders are held accountable, victims are provided high-quality care and every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine is treated with dignity and respect. "Together" reinforces the many ways we work within each branch of the military, across the Department of Defense and with our local communities to combat sexual assault. Sexual assault among service members is a problem we face together, one that can only be solved together. Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes in this country and in the military. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the SAPR office, 213-5598. After hours call 580-541-7095 or 213-SARC (7272). There are two ways to report an assault. Restricted reporting means the information will be between the SARC and you. Unrestricted reporting means there will be a full investigation involving the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, law enforcement and your commander. For more information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the "Survivor's Story" exhibit or the SAPR, call 213-5597.