Proclamation goal to eliminate sexual assaults

  • Published
  • 55 th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Many people have been victims of sexual assault. Most have been assaulted by someone they know, possibly a friend, co-worker or family member. In 2008, 2,923 active-duty servicemembers reported being sexually assaulted; 235 more than in 2007. 

With this in mind, Col. Robert L. Maness, 55th Wing vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Lisa A. Sirois, 55th Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant, signed a proclamation April 6 at the Daugherty Conference Center, declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month here.

Sexual assault is a big issue and people need to know that it's not a personal or community problem; it's a national one, Colonel Maness said.

"This campaign is part of a nationwide observance to raise awareness about one of our country's most underreported crimes, and give military members fresh initiatives and new methods to prevent sexual assault," the colonel said.

Colonel Maness stressed sexual assault is a crime that affects everyone as every two minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted.

"The goal of the proclamation is to make a tangible presence of the command's stance in regards to sexual assaults of any kind," Colonel Maness said. "We want to decrease the stigma attached to sexual assault victims and we want people to know services are available for them around the clock."

Offutt's observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is part of the Department of Defense's new social marketing campaign called, "Our Strength is for Defending." This research-based prevention strategy is designed to empower servicemembers to intervene in situations where sexual assaults may occur, according to the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response website. 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an opportunity to heighten awareness and make people aware of programs in place to take care of them, said Dr. Kaye Whitley, director of the Defense Department's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. 

"We are calling on everyone to look out for each other and intervene in situations before a sexual assault occurs," Dr. Whitley said. "This is a concept we're familiar with because we look out for our battle buddies; we look out for our Wingmen. If you're out with your friends and partying, don't leave your friends alone. If someone has had too much to drink, make sure they get home safely. Everyone has a duty to prevent sexual assault." 

Colonel Maness said he knows the professionals at Offutt are doing all they can to prevent and respond to sexual assault. 

"We have good people working this issue who are not only trained in responding, but also have the heart to work with victims and help them through the pain and mire of an assault", Colonel Maness said. 

The colonel said he wants Airmen to realize sexual assault is a "blue-on-blue" crime when it happens in the Air Force. 

"Our Airmen are hard working and I trust them to do the right thing," he said. "However, the key issue from an Air Force perspective is mutual respect for each other as Wingmen." 

"If we can prevent one sexual assault from happening it's all worth the effort," Colonel Maness said. 

Throughout the month, the Sexual Assault Reponse Coordinator's office plans a number of activities in the community to help raise awareness. 

Events include the "Walk in Her Shoes" walk/run April 10 at 10 a.m. at the Offutt Field House, a nine-pin-no-tap bowling tournament April 10 at 1 p.m. at Peacekeeper Lanes, the Sex Signals theater show April 16 and 17 at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. at the Capehart Theater, and a Women's Self Defense Class April 25 at 9 a.m. inside Bldg D at the tennis courts.

Sex Signals, an improv theater show that looks at the dating scene, is the main event for Sexual Assault Awareness Month said Sharon E. Ingram, Offutt Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Assistant. 

"It's a real-life, funny show about a guy, a girl and dating," Mrs. Ingram said. 

The cast has customized their 90-minute show to reflect the unique culture of each branch of the military, and has become a key component of the U.S. Army's "I.AM.Strong" initiative to eradicate sexual assault within its ranks, she said. 

"They have presented their program at dozens of Air Force and Marine Corps installations around the world and their shows at Offutt will not disappoint," Mrs. Ingram added. 

For more information on sexual assault awareness month and events, contact the SARC office at 232-9999.