Awareness enables better understanding of sexual assault, help available 24/7

Fort Campbell's Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention teams work collectively to educate Soldiers and civilians about sexual assault daily. During April, the teams plan special events and competition as Fort Campbell observes the National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

"Engaging activities that are both fun and competitive provide us a way to bring awareness about the crime while also educating our population on the procedures, steps and laws in place to protect victims," said Staff Sgt. Concepcion Class Ballejo, lead Sexual Assault Victim Advocate at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital.

Class Ballejo helped plan and lead sexual assault prevention special activities for hospital personnel. Class Ballejo received 13 entries for the hospital-wide essay contest with the deadline for submission ending Monday, April 11. Shirley McGowan, who works in the Department of Behavioral Health, won the essay contest. Staff members were encouraged to write up to a 1,500 word essay on what their personal role is in preventing sexual assault and how sexual assault affects the organization.

The hospital's Alpha Company with the Warrior Transition Battalion won this year's poster contest. Four departments joined in to support this year's themed posters, showing their encouragement to stand against sexual assault and victim blaming. The annual Walk to Reflect event took place April 19 to provide an opportunity for hospital personnel to support victims of sexual assault and inform the community why sexual assault awareness is important.

In addition to supporting hospital led prevention efforts, hospital personnel are encouraged to participate in post-wide sexual assault prevention activities. Many personnel across the installation will be wearing jeans for a purpose, supporting survivors of sexual assault on "Denim Day" April 27.

The communities surrounding Fort Campbell are invited to join Fort Campbell's planned sexual assault prevention motorcycle ride April 29. Motorcyclists are encouraged to arrive in the parking lot at Division Headquarters at 10 a.m. with the ride kicking off at 11 a.m. The two-hour motorcycle ride will culminate at Cole Park Commons.

Class Ballejo agrees of the importance of hosting planned events to raise awareness.

"These types of events get Soldiers more involved and help them have a better understanding of what sexual assault means and how the Army works tirelessly to prevent this crime. Dealing with SHARP and sexual assault has such a negative light, it is taboo, not many want to talk about the subject, but these type of events get people involved, raise awareness and educate, which is the key to changing the culture in the Army when it comes to sexual assault," said Class Ballejo.

Treatment is available

"Seeking treatment after a sexual assault has occurred is not easy for the one assaulted," said Tonika Rizer, BACH Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

Whether or not to seek treatment is up to the individual; however, help is available 24 hours, seven days a week at Fort Campbell. For active duty personnel, each brigade has a full time SARC and Victim Advocate with additional supporting trained victim advocates carrying collateral duties. Active duty personnel are not limited to reporting to their brigade SARC and VA teams. All services that the victim would like to receive are coordinated through the brigade of the victim's choice. The process of restricted and unrestricted reporting can be done before seeking treatment at BACH's emergency center.

If someone is sexually assaulted, Rizer provided safe practices to follow.

1) Go to a safe location away from the perpetrator.

2) Preserve all evidence of the assault. Do not bathe, wash your hands, brush your teeth, eat, or smoke.

3) If you are still at the location of the crime, do not clean or straighten up or remove anything from your surroundings.

4) Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you do not have any visible physical injuries, you may be at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease (women may also be at risk of pregnancy). Ask the health care personnel to conduct a sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE).

5) If you suspect you have been drugged, request that a urine sample be collected to preserve evidence.

Rizer always tells individuals affected by sexual assault that it is never too late to get help. Even if the attack happened years ago, the SARC can still help. "Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later."

Rizer said, "Victims of sexual assault can be comforted by knowing that each case is confidential. The case is not opened until the paperwork for electing a reporting option is complete."

Personnel are available 24 hours, seven days a week via hotlines to ensure the safety of the victim.

Division Hotline: (270) 498-4319

BACH SARC hotline: (270) 985-8593

BACH VA hotline: (270) 220-5345

BACH EC: (270) 798-8500

Class Ballejo said she is humbled to work with individuals affected by sexual assault and is grateful to help connect what each person's individual needs are through the worst times in their lives.

"The biggest reward for me working as a victim advocate is seeing where they are from the start, but as they finish the process, they are able to grasp they are strong enough to live a happier life and overcome this experience in their life. It is also rewarding to be a part of changing the culture in the way people view sexual harassment and sexual assault and help educate them on the truth of what it is," concluded Class Ballejo.