Shaw examines Awareness of Sexual Assault Published April 4, 2012 By Airman Daniel B. Blackwell 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Team Shaw will have the opportunity to stress prevention, raise awareness and educate others during the month of April which is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The goal of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is to not only recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but to provide Airmen support and assistance year round. "Sexual assault changes a person for life," said Cindy Evans, Shaw Air Force Base sexual assault response coordinator. "Response, education, prevention and awareness is what we do year round." Throughout the month of April, events are planned to help educate Team Shaw and the surrounding community about the facts and myths of sexual assault. "We do this to have that unpleasant, but necessary, conversation about sexual assault," Evans said. "We also do this to dispel the stigma victims' associate with sexual assault and SARC." SAPRP April 1-30 will have a book display set up at the library. This display will contain literature on the topic, from risk reduction and coping with the trauma, to testimonials. On April 6, SAPRP will sponsor a day of awareness called, "Are You Password Protected?" for awareness relating to multimedia outlets by conversation. This program is to help Airmen, Soldiers and their families and friends see the impact of improper use of multimedia outlets if they are not cautious about what they send to others and post online. Many of these commonly used multi-media channels are Facebook, Twitter, blogging and "sexting." Sexting is sending and or receiving pictures or videos of a sexual nature by mobile device. "I would like to say that Airmen never have pictures of their nudity or of themselves engaging in sexual activities," Evans said. "But unfortunately, this seems to be something that's trending and it is what it is." "Make sure to password protect your phone," said Delanie Alexander, Shaw Air Force Base deputy sexual assault response coordinator. "That way nobody has access to your personal information and media." On April 10, at 6 a.m. SAPRP will set up a staffed display at the fitness center to reach those who workout in the gym. They will be sharing SAPRP-related information and giving out related gifts. On April 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. a staffed display will be set up at the base exchange. This display will be geared toward reaching and educating Team Shaw families, as well as civilians about sexual assault awareness. Evans will have information available and gifts. April 9-13, SAPRP will begin the "Teal Flag Campaign" in the dining facility. This project's goal is to provide information to enlisted Airmen and Soldiers and to raise awareness using information displays as center pieces for the tables in the dining facility. On April 17, 4:30 p.m. at the teen center, SAPRP will sponsor a "Teen Sexting Class" to create an open dialogue with youth about this topic. Any teens who are registered at the center may attend the class. "We did the teen sexting class last year and it went over really well," said Evans. On April 19, 3 p.m. at the fitness center, SARC will sponsor a "Women's Self-Defense Class" led by Shaw's Tech. Sgt. Jamey Olsen, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron unit deployment manager. Olsen currently holds six, third-degree black belts, and one first-degree black belt in a variety of diverse fighting styles. Those interested in attending the class must register through the SARC office at (803) 895-1928. April 1-23, SAPRP will host the "Domestic Violence Shelter Drive," with assistance from the Officers' Spouses Club and the Enlisted Spouses Club. The goal of this drive is to support local shelters for victims displaced from their homes due to domestic violence and or sexual abuse. SAPRP will be accepting donations of non-perishable essential items for women and children such as toiletries, diapers, pull-up nighttime diapers and toilet paper. While appreciated, check or cash donations are not allowed. The drop off point for any donated items will be the SARC office located in Building 1118, room 1031. On April 27, 7 a.m. at the gym annex SAPRP will sponsor the "Race for Awareness." The run will start and end at the gym annex. This run is to commemorate and recognize the achievements of both men and women in the area of sexual assault prevention and awareness. Anyone may participate, and special accommodations will be made for people with mobility challenges who want to participate. There also will be a route for those who may not be able to run the main course such as kids or those with special needs. Prizes will be given to the top two participants in each category. Military members may wear civilian attire unless otherwise specified by their unit commander. For more info about the events, please call (803) 895-1928 and ask to speak with Cindy Evans or Lanie Alexander.