Base events raise sexual assault awareness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Team Barksdale is hosting various events in April to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.

The nationally observed SAAM provides the opportunity to reinforce the military's commitment to stopping this crime and to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

"It's an awareness event to increase focus on preventing sexual assault. This crime happens on our base and in our community," said Capt. Felicia Simmons, 2nd Bomb Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "We also want to take a moment to remember the victims of sexual assault."

The theme for this year is, "We Own it...We'll Solve it...Together." This is in alignment with Air Force leadership's goal. This theme highlights the fact that sexual assault is a problem for our nation and for our military which will require sustained vigilance and a steadfast team effort to eradicate it.

"Sexual assault has no place in our Air Force," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh said. "We live in a culture of respect. We cherish our core values of integrity, service, and excellence. But in order to ensure all Airmen experience and benefit from those values, we must eliminate sexual assault in our ranks."

Simmons said she and her team of victim advocates will host events to raise awareness and create a zero-tolerance environment that stands against sexual assault or attitudes that promote it.

"Sexual assault is a horrific crime that affects not just the victim," said Simmons. "It can affect everyone."
The SARC office will be hosting events throughout April to reinforce the ways of combating sexual assault. Some of these events will include:
  • Sexual Assault Awareness Booth located in the Base Exchange every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Bowl-a-thon at the Barksdale Bowling Alley April 5 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Spring into Action 5K run at the Senior Airman Bryan Bell Fitness Center April 12 at 8 a.m.
For more information about SAAM events, or to become a victim advocate call the SARC office at 456-6836.