Sexual Assault Prevention: My strength is for defending

Published April 1, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- April, the month designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is recognized nationally and commits to raising awareness and promoting the prevention of sexual assault through events and education.

The Department of Defense theme for this year's Sexual Assault Awareness Month is, "My Strength is for Defending."

This slogan reminds us that we can play a role as a leader, a teacher, a friend or co-worker in sexual assault prevention.

The Department's campaign has two purposes: inform military members about the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program and model basic bystander intervention techniques.

Activities planned for the month of April for Team McConnell's SAAM are:
· Program displays at the HAWC, library, clinic and base exchange.
· Information booths at Family Festival of Fun, Gate Day April 3, Lunch-n-Learn April 10.
· Distribution of prevention materials to dorm residents April 20 and a Volunteer Victim Advocate Appreciation Luncheon April 27.

Team McConnell members are encouraged to learn more about the issue of sexual assault and what they can do to prevent it by participating in local SAAM activities.

For more information, please contact the base SAPR office at 759-1872 or 759-3048.