SASH to help combat sexual assault and harassment Published March 29, 2012 By 17th Training Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response and the Equal Opportunity offices are bringing a new program to Goodfellow that gives Airmen in training a bigger role in sexual assault prevention and response, Students Against Sexual Assault and Harassment (SASH). The program which originally began at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas is now being expanded to Goodfellow, the second base in Air Education and Training Command to be offering this opportunity to help students become part of the solution in the combat against sexual assault and harassment. The SAPR office decided to bring the program here due to the fact that students are typically more comfortable talking to a roommate, classmate or another wingman when a bad situation arises. "The purpose of SASH is to create a peer-based program for Goodfellow's students," Donna Casey, SAPR coordinator said. "So, what better way to get the word out about what our office has to offer? Now these Airmen can communicate wingman-to-wingman knowing they are talking to someone who is knowledgeable." SASH calls for 'Airmen in Training' to volunteer to become SARC representatives for their squadrons which will make it easier for sexual assault victims to come forward. "SASH members are ambassadors who serve as visible tools to market and publicize the SAPR program, by providing information to educate other students on the program and other on-base referral agencies," Casey said. "They will also provide feedback to the SARC office on the climate and trends in the student environment. As a SASH member they can help others if someone has questions or needs help, we can refer them to the base agencies and services they need at that time." Currently the SAPR office is looking for individuals that would like to become part of the program. This is a unique opportunity for students to become more involved in their squadrons while helping fellow classmates while taking the challenge of being an advocate for the SAPR program. If interested, SASH initial training is offered every second and fourth Tuesday at noon and 4:30 pm at the SAPR office, BLDG 258. For more information call (325) 654-1559. Below are events slated for April to create awareness. April 6 - Drunk Sex or Date Rape presented by Brett Skolow At the Base Theater, 8am, 12:30pm, and 4:30pm April 19 - Self Defense course 6 - 8pm, Mathis Fitness Center April 28 - SARC Challenge starting at the Event Center at noon. Teams of two will participate in an array of challenges by deciphering clues and working together as a team. April 30 - The Unnamed Conspirator presented by Anne Munch, 8am, Base Theater, 10am Wing Conference Room (Wing leadership only) and 12:30pm at the Event Center Sexual Assaults facts and statistics will be posted along the troop walks and ribbons of promise cards will be distributed throughout the base. For more information on any of these events call (325) 654-1559/1572 or email donna.casey@goodfellow.af.mil
