Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month kick off with six events

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Jackson
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For the month of April, Goodfellow is hosting six separate events to raise sexual assault awareness, end sexual discrimination and dispel myths surrounding sexual assault.

"As we begin Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, clear signs point to the progress we have made in combating sexual assault," said Gen. Larry Spencer, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. "We can cite encouraging numbers in the areas of prevalence, reporting and convictions; however, this serves as only the beginning of an enduring effort. This effort must continue without pause and we must not lose sight of it for a moment."


The first event includes posted signs along the troop walk, which will stand all month. These signs dispel myths surrounding sexual assault.

The second features the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office, in an event called the Cup of Prevention where they visit squadrons on base April 3 and 17 to pass out promotional items, prevention information and self-help materials to Goodfellow members.

A third event, Jeff O'Brien, part of Mentors in Violence Prevention, will speak on violence prevention April 9. The seminar will highlight leadership, systemic sexism and bystander intervention. He will focus mainly on pop culture examples to help illustrate that any number of seemingly harmless behaviors, if left unchecked, can lead to assault.

Fourth, the Traveling Clothesline, the SAAPR office will hang a clothesline made up of t-shirts and jeans painted with artwork by survivors of sexual assault will show at the Exchange, dining facilities and commissary April 10 and 24.

The Fifth event, the 5th Annual Sexual Assault and Response Coordination Challenge features a race to complete a series of different challenges around base in teams of two people April 18. The challenges test competitors communication, strategy and teamwork skills.

Finally, for the sixth event, Chalk the Walk. SAPR staff will set up tables at various locations on base and initiate discussions with members about sexual assault awareness and prevention topics April 21 through 23. They provide chalk and encourage members to write or draw messages on the sidewalk to explain how they can prevent sexual assault, how sexual assault might affect an individual, or encouraging words to promote an environment of awareness and respect.

The goal for the month is to provide an engaging environment to learn about sexual assault and how to stop it before it happens.

"I ask that each of you dedicate yourself to this effort," said General Mark A. Welsh III, Chief of Staff. "There's only one acceptable goal and that's an Air Force free from sexual assault. We can't get there without you! Take care of each other."