April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Dyess' sexual assault response coordinator, base commanders and the command chief have rallied together to promote April events that will increase awareness and prevention of sexual harassment and assault. 

Specifically, April 5 is designated as the "Day to End Sexual Violence," and this year's theme is, "Stand up against sexual assault - make a difference." Events include a luncheon to honor victim advocates April 5, a poetry slam April 13, a SARC open house April 23, and a candlelight vigil April 26. 

"This is about creating a climate in the community that says, 'Sexual violence is not ok,' and looking out for each other," said Staci Vileta, Dyess' SARC. 

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is Department of Defense-wide, according to the U.S. DoD SAPR office, and is in place to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of all members of the armed forces. 

"Preventing sexual crimes is infinitely better than responding to them," Staci said. "It's great to have a program in place that responds to a victim's needs, but we owe it to ourselves as individuals to practice risk management." 

She said most sexual assaults occur under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While most people would normally defend themselves, they often can't under the influence. 

The U.S. DoD SAPR office said one in six women in the United States (17 percent) reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some time in their lives; however, women aren't the only victims of sexual assault. Three percent of men also reported attempted or completed rape. 

"Most men who assault other men are heterosexual, but the two things most predators look for are availability and vulnerability," Mrs. Vileta said. "Often times, predators can manipulate a situation to make men vulnerable. It could even be a prank gone bad."
Mrs. Vileta stressed the importance of reporting sexual assault. 

"Sexual assault is the type of traumatic experience people don't always get over by themselves," Mrs. Vileta said. "There's a stigma and a stereotype that people are concerned about getting if they report, but we offer restricted reporting and off-base resources for people who are hesitant to go to Dyess' clinic or have their name given on a report." 

"The second reason it's important to report is that if we have offenders in our community, we need to get them out," she said. "Unreported offenders are often repeat offenders. If they are left unreported, chances are they'll go and hurt someone else later." 

She encouraged everyone to go with their gut and not dismiss uneasy feelings about situations they or their friends may be in. 

"No one chooses to be raped, no matter how they're dressed or how much they've drank," Mrs. Vileta said. "The consequences of drinking too much should be a hangover, not rape." 

SARCs and victim advocates are standing by waiting to help victims of sexual assault. To reach the 24-hour emergency hotline, call 518-1802.