Dyess Air Force Base Airmen recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Published April 9, 2010
By Senior Airman Felicia Juenke
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A sexual assault awareness luncheon was held April 7 at the dyes Heritage Club to inform Airmen and their families of sexual assault and the effect it has on victims and their families.

This year's luncheon's theme was, "Sexual Assault: Huts One, Affects All. Preventing Sexual Assault is Everyone's Duty." Staci Vileta, Team Dyess Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, arranged the luncheon.

"Events during sexual assault awareness month allow us to expand awareness in our community and move further toward our goal of eliminating sexual assault from the Air Force," she said. "We are here today to put a spotlight on a difficult but important issue."

Although Dyess has held numerous events such as a proclamation ceremony and "The gift of fear," there are other upcoming events to spread awareness. A "Can I kiss you?" briefing will be held April 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the Heritage Club, a "Run for their lives" 5-K will be held April 9 at 7 a.m. at the traffic circle, and a "Love is respect rally," will be held April 13at 5:30 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center.

Mrs. Vileta trains volunteers to assist her in helping victims of sexual assault. Volunteers, known as victim advocates, provide support and care to victims to help find their way through difficult times.

For more information regarding the SARC program, call (325) 696-5499. Victim care and support is available through a 24-hour Response Line at (325) 518-1802.