Fort Belvoir, Va. (Oct. 16, 2014) - As part of Family Advocate Program's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention team is hosting "Can I Kiss You?" a workshop about reducing sexual assault and teaching ways to develop healthy, successful relationships.
The workshop is at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Tuesday, in Thurman Auditorium, Bldg. 247, 5500 21st Street.
It is open to Service members, civilians, Family members and the Department of Defense community, said Sgt. Maj. Tamika Wynn, senior installation sexual assault response coordinator.
She said the professional development training brings a "heightened awareness of sexual assault, addresses healthy relationships, consent and provides methods of support for survivors of sexual assault."
The workshop is led by Mike Dormitrz, founder of The Date Safe Project. Dormitrz travels around the country educating audiences of all ages about sexual assault and intimacy and has done so since 1991, two years after his sister was raped, according to his website, Date Safe Project. Her attack led him to want to push for more dialogue about sexual assault.
Wynn said participants will learn three things: Asking first to ensure consent; intervene when alcohol is being used to take advantage of someone and open a door for all sexual assault victims to come forward.
"It is an interactive and inclusive approach woven throughout the event from role playing to characters on stage," Wynn said.
Sexual assault is described as any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, according to the Office of Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It can be verbal, visual or forced contact.
In addition to the Can I Kiss You Workshop, there will be other events and activities on post throughout the month of October. There is also a contest for couples who attend the most FAP events this month. Prizes include post-wide recognition of the couple's commitment to a healthy relationship, a goodie bag from the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to include complimentary tickets, lessons and services and a free getaway to the ScreamFree Institute's Couples Resort Retreat.
FAP will also have shoe displays all over post, to represent and honor victims and survivors of domestic abuse, outreach booths and there will be flash mobs by FAP around post to give away outreach material and spread awareness.
For more information about The Date Safe Project, visit www.datesafeproject.org.
How can I lower my risk of sexual assault?
There are things you can do to reduce your chances of being sexually assaulted. Follow these tips from the National Crime Prevention Council.
-Be aware of your surroundings -- who's out there and what's going on.
-Walk with confidence. The more confident you look, the stronger you appear.
-Know your limits when it comes to using alcohol.
-Be assertive -- don't let anyone violate your space.
-Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings, leave.
-Don't prop open self-locking doors.
-Lock your door and your windows, even if you leave for just a few minutes.
-Watch your keys. Don't lend them. Don't leave them. Don't lose them. And don't put your name and address on the key ring.
-Watch out for unwanted visitors. Know who's on the other side of the door before you open it.
-Be wary of isolated spots, like underground garages, offices after business hours, and apartment laundry rooms.
-Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Vary your route. Stay in well-traveled, well-lit areas.
-Have your key ready to use before you reach the door -- home, car, or work.
-Park in well-lit areas and lock the car, even if you'll only be gone a few minutes.
-Drive on well-traveled streets, with doors and windows locked.
-Never hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker.
-Keep your car in good shape with plenty of gas in the tank.
-In case of car trouble, call for help on your cellular phone. If you don't have a phone, put the hood up, lock the doors, and put a banner in the rear mirror that says, "Help. Call police."
Source: Office of Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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