SAAM month promotes awareness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  In a nationwide study by the National Institute of Justice, one in six women have been sexually assaulted.

The same study also indicated that one in 33 men have also been sexually assaulted and that fewer than 20 percent of sexual assault victims [women and men] report the crime, said Peggy Moore-McCoy, 28th Bomb Wing Sexual assault response coordinator.

For the past four years, the Department of Defense has designated the month of April for the departmental observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The theme designated for 2008, "Prevent Sexual Assault: Ask, Act and Intervene," is meant to not only spread awareness of the frequency of sexual assault, but to remind every person, military or non-military, that they have a role in preventing future sexual assault crimes, said Michael Dominguez, under secretary of defense, in his memorandum dated Jan. 24, 2008.

The correlation between the occurrence of sexual assault and the use of alcohol was also examined for SAAM.

"Alcohol diminishes a person's capacity to make good decisions, and also diminishes a person's ability to decide whether or not they should go through with an event," Ms. Moore-McCoy said.

The ability for Airmen to make proper decisions is the best prevention against future crimes, Ms. Moore-McCoy said.

"The observance of SAAM month at Ellsworth, through various activities and seminars throughout the month, is meant to follow DoD's theme, and to change behaviors within the community about sexual assault," Ms. Moore-McCoy said. "It is only by changing our behaviors about sexual assault that we can make our community safer."

Ms. Moore-McCoy, who organized the activities and seminars throughout April, hopes bringing Ellsworth together will join them in united front for prevention of future crimes.

In addition to a bowling event that took place April 8 to help kick-off SAAM, other base-sponsored activities this month are scheduled to continue with two personal safety and self-defense seminars at Bellamy Fitness Center April 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. and again April 15 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Sexual assault prevention and response information tables are also scheduled to be located at the 28th Medical Group Clinic April 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Rushmore Center April 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. and Bellamy Fitness Center April 23 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Other seminars included for SAAM include a parent and teen "safe-dating" seminar that will take place at Holbrook Library April 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

SAAM will also provide training for Victim Advocates who are available to assist sexual assault victims 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This training begins with two eight-hour classes April 26 and 27. The remaining 24 hours will continue over the following six weeks. For more information on these events, contact Ms. Moore-McCoy at (605) 385-5233.

Participation in these events during SAAM month provide the chance for Ellsworth members to renew their commitment to preventing sexual assault, and increasing sexual assault awareness, Col. Vander Hamm said in a letter to all base personnel dated April 1, 2008.

"It is only with the support of all of us that we can shape a military free from sexual violence and other destructive behaviors," Colonel Vander Hamm said. "Together, we can stop sexual assault before it happens."

For more information about SAAM, contact Ms. Moore-McCoy at (605) 385-5233.