FORT SILL, Okla.-- "Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow" and "It's Time to Talk About It," are two slogans for a better a stronger Army and a better tomorrow as the Army strives to be better and create a healthier culture.
During the month of April, the Fort Sill Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program (SHARP) are partnering together in support of National Alcohol and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The two office staffs will promote prevention and awareness through special activities and public education throughout the installation.
We would like everyone to be aware of the risk and ask for everyone's help to prevent and intervene to avoid and minimize the devastating consequences of alcohol abuse and the life altering impact of sexual assault.
Alcohol and sexual assault awareness month is intended to educate people and communities through prevention and intervention training about the consequences of alcohol abuse on families, careers, finances and health. There is a special emphasis on alcohol's impact on relationships and sexual assaults.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, on average "Approximately one-half of all cases of sexual assault and rape involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, the victim or both."
Alcohol is still considered the No. 1 date rape drug of choice.
As stated by Womanshealth.gov, "Any drug that can affect judgment and behavior can put a person at risk for unwanted or risky sexual activity. Alcohol is one such drug. In fact, alcohol is the drug most commonly used to help commit sexual assault. When a person drinks too much alcohol: It's harder to think clearly, it's harder to set limits and make good choices, it's harder to tell when a situation could be dangerous, it's harder to say no to sexual advances, it's harder to fight back if a sexual assault occurs, and it's possible to blackout and to have memory loss."
Even though drinking alcohol is not a crime in most cases, when it is used to facilitate a sexual assault, it quickly can become a crime that can have devastating long-lasting effects for everyone. Even if a victim of sexual assault drank alcohol or willingly took drugs, the victim is not at fault for being assaulted.
The impact of these crimes serves as a reminder that the crimes not only affect the person, but has a ripple effect which impacts family, friends, co-workers and the overall Army mission.
For April, red, the national color for alcohol awareness, and teal, the national color for sexual assault awareness, ribbons have been placed at the post gates to serve as visual reminders of the relationship one has to the other. The small red flags surrounding the ribbons symbolize the victims who have been impacted by alcohol-related incidents and sexual assault.
Please join ASAP and SHARP and get involved to help all Fort Sill personnel and the local community champion the culture of being a responsible battle buddy. This means making good choices yourself and intervening early if you see a dangerous situation developing.
For those concerned about their own difficulties with alcohol or other drugs or who are concerned about others they care about, the Fort Sill clinical ASAP is always there for you. They offer screening and treatment services and can be reached at 580-442-4205.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, know your options; call 580-917-4277 for immediate help.
Military-One-Source also offers confidential help at militaryonesource.com or 800-342-9647.
Remember help is everywhere, but it's up to you to take advantage of all the resources available to you and your organization.
Social Sharing