Sexual Assault Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica McConnell
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the base Sexual Assault Response Coordinator is hosting multiple events on base in order to raise awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.

April 9-13, information about sexual assault, drinking and dating safety will be provided at a booth set up inside the McAdoo Sports and Fitness Center. During the week of April 16-20, the same type of booth will be set up inside the Base Exchange.

On April 26, base personnel can attend an event called Take Back the Night, which is a rally and march held to unify the community against violence. The event will be held at the base theater from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Those wishing to walk should arrive at the theater by 6:15 p.m.

"Anyone participating is asked to wear boots to show their support to the military members by walking in boots," said Reagan Gagne, 5th Bomb Wing SARC program manager. "By wearing boots, we as a community recognize all military victims, survivors, and loved ones who have been affected by sexual violence. The boots can be any style or color. We are encouraging walkers to decorate their boots."

Gagne said the best decorated boot will win a prize. After the walk, there will be a presentation, Survivor Speak Out and recognition and information from key agencies.

The SARC is asking for survivors of sexual assault to share their stories. If interested in submitting an anonymous story, or reading it, contact the SARC no later than April 19. Contact information is provided below.

There will also be a display set up at the base library with books and information on sexual assault, victims and survivors throughout the month.

Also during the entire month of April, the 5th Medical Group will house the Clothesline Project, which is an international awareness initiative that displays T-shirts made by victims, survivors and loved ones to express their emotions about violence.

"The T-shirts that are hung in the 5th Medical Group atrium are made by individuals from the Minot area, including Minot Air Force Base," said Gagne. "Each color represents a different form of violence."

While yellow represents battered or assaulted women, the colors red, pink and orange are for survivors of rape and sexual assault.

Gagne said that Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a chance to stand up for Minot's heroes as well as to end violence.

"The military is often associated with the term hero, which describes someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty," said Gagne. "This in turn is usually recognized with a medal or award. Victims and survivors of sexual violence are the bravest soldiers of all, yet their personal heroism mostly goes unrecognized."

She said victims are the ones who cope with the personal trauma and pain that is endured after being victimized and then turn around to serve their country.

"Victims often go on to help other victims and their community to prevent future violence," she continued. "Knowledge is power and it only takes one person to stand up and do something."

To contact the SARC for more information, call 723-5275 or email Gagne at Reagan.gagne@us.af.mil.