Time to raise awareness, prevent sexual violence

  • Published
  • By Sheryl McMullen
  • Sexual Assault Prevention and Response coordinator
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and promote prevention of sexual violence. This year's theme is "Hurts One. Affects All...Preventing sexual assault is everyone's duty."

The Vance Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office is putting on several events throughout the month to increase awareness of sexual assault.

Guest speaker Angela Shelton will give an inspiring and empowering presentation on overcoming sexual trauma at 10 a.m., April 9, in the Base Auditorium, Bldg. 550.

The presentation will be beneficial to everyone because the truth is we all know someone who has experienced sexual trauma in their lives. Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes in this country and in the military.

Ms. Shelton will provide a different perspective on overcoming sexual assault and will shed light on the various dynamics a victim encounters in the aftermath of an assault. The presentation is open to all who are interested in attending.

A "Kick the Silence" kickball tournament is scheduled for 3 p.m., April 23, at the base softball fields. Families are encouraged to come out and cheer on the teams. The tournament will help create awareness of the Sexual Assault Program in a fun, non-threatening environment. Victim advocates will be on hand to answer questions.

An event ongoing throughout April at Vance will be "A Glimpse into the Silence" exhibit. The exhibit includes the thoughts of sexual assault victims. Very few victims ever report their assault to anyone, and these personal journal writings help to explain why victims keep their silence. All journal excerpts come from Oklahoma sexual assault victims. The exhibit will move to various locations around base. For more information on the exhibit, contact Savannah Lohn, 213-5597.

The 2010 theme, "Hurts one. Affects all," focuses on the effects sexual assault has on the military's mission readiness. A sexual assault can reverberate throughout a unit and beyond, degrading readiness by harming the life of the victim, and the military's ability to work effectively as a team.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, 213-5598, or after hours contact 580-541-7095.