Combating, preventing sexual assault

Sexual assault is a crime that is not in any way compatible with military service.
Each April, the Department of Defense and other organizations across the nation observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

This annual event provides the opportunity to highlight the actions our military services are taking to combat this crime and promote prevention through special activities and public education. 

This year’s theme for SAAM is “Prevent Sexual Assault: Ask! Act! Intervene!” The theme was chosen as a reminder that your actions can make a difference in someone’s life. Lack of action puts our friends, families and co-workers in jeopardy.

When you see someone who looks like they could use assistance, ask them if they need help. When they ask for help, be sure to step in and assist. If someone doesn’t recognize trouble, do something to intervene and prevent the situation from becoming worse.

Within the last three years, the DoD and military services have created new policies to address sexual assault prevention. The goal of this new approach is to establish a climate of confidence throughout the military in which:

• sexual assault and the attitudes that promote it are not tolerated;
• victims of sexual assault receive the care and support that they need; and
• offenders are held accountable for their actions.

Your Air Force and Army KMC Sexual Assault Response Coordinators are planning an awareness campaign with events throughout the month of April to expose the myths and explain the realities of sexual assault. Find out more about what you can do to prevent sexual assault by participating in the KMC’s SAAM events.

You can obtain more information on the events by calling 480-SARC (7272) or 493-4148.

Remember, your participation and effort can have a long-term effect on your fellow service members…Ask! Act! Intervene! 

(Courtesy of the KMC Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program)

• Tree & Bench Dedication, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Ramstein Flag Row/Running Path

• Commander & First Sergeant 1-in-3 Immersion, 1 to
2 p.m. Thursday,  Ramstein Community Center   
       
• Assertiveness Training, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 8, 9 or 10, Ramstein Airmen & Family Readiness Center (V & S to be announced)

• Gate Greetings, 7 to 8 a.m. April 15, Base/Post Gates  (R, V, S, L, K)

• Get Carded, 9 to 11 p.m. April 16, Ramstein Enlisted Club & Kazabra Club
   
• Whistle Stop Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23, Food Courts (R, V, S)

• 5K Fun Run, 3 p.m. April 25, Ramstein Southside Gym

• Shine the Light Walk, 7 to 8 p.m. April 30, Ramstein BX Parking Lot

• Clothesline Display, throughout April, large display at Ramstein Southside Gym (V, S, L, K smaller venue locations to be posted)