A peace rally and documentary headline the garrison's observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.
To promote safety, Belvoir's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention office is hosting numerous events such as an afternoon viewing of "The Invisible War," a sexual assault documentary, April 17 at 1:30 p.m., in Thurman Hall Auditorium and a "Take Back the Night" rally, April 19 at 6 p.m., in Woodlawn Village. Each sexual assault awareness event is free and open to servicemembers, civilians and Family members, who are all encouraged to participate and promote the prevention of sexual violence on and off post.
"People shouldn't be embarrassed to speak out against sexual assault and harassment, especially if they're victims," said Michelle Lake, Fort Belvoir Garrison Command Group SHARP victim advocate. "Bringing awareness may help stop abuse."
The Army defines sexual assault as intentional sexual contact characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Examples include rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), inappropriate sexual fondling or attempts to commits these acts.
Sexual Harassment is also a focus of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It is defined as a form of gender discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature between the same or opposite genders when submission to, or rejection of, such conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, work performance, or creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month aims to bring awareness to these crimes through rallies, speeches, educational displays and other resources.
The Department of Defense theme this year is: "We own it...We'll Solve it…Together," which emphasizes the DoD's commitment to stopping sexual violence, according to Master Sgt. Tamika Wynn, SHARP coordinator.
"Sexual assault is a crime. It has no place in the U.S. Army or any other branch of service," Wynn said. "It is a violation of everything that we stand for and it is an affront to the values we defend."
"The Invisible War," is a 2012 film presenting and investigating sexual assault crimes within the military. Subject matter experts from the Staff Judge Advocate, Chaplain, Equal Opportunity, Criminal Investigative Division, Victim Advocates, Provost Marshall and Victim Witness Liaisons offices will be present prior to the film to answer questions about sexual violence and measures individuals can take to prevent crimes and help victims. Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander, Col. Gregory D. Gadson, and a psychologist will also attend to answer questions.
"We're showing the film to make people aware of a problem that is hurting the military, but we're also including the dialogue to let people know of new programs and the military leadership's commitment to making things better," Wynn said. "Hopefully, future victims won't be afraid to report."
"Take Back the Night" rallies occur internationally and are focused on eliminating all forms of sexual violence using peaceful marches through cities, colleges and other public areas. Belvoir's March at Woodlawn Village will include a candlelight vigil and guest speakers, whose names will be announced at a later date.
In addition to the film viewing and rally the SHARP office is also providing whistles, pens and other items at sexual assault awareness tables, at different locations on the installation, every Monday throughout April. Community members are also encouraged to wear teal each Friday in April to help support the awareness efforts.
The month's worth of awareness will hopefully show the importance of preventing sexual violence, said Cass Bocker, Joint Personal Property Shipping Office victim advocate.
"We shouldn't feel embarrassed because it's not a sign of weakness," Bocker said. "After this month, if just one person realizes it's OK to report, it's worth it because the recovery is not something anybody should go through by themselves."
One source victims can use for help is Fort Belvoir's 24/7 confidential hotline, (703) 740-7029, dedicated to providing consultations, referrals and additional forms of assistance to women and men, military and nonmilitary victims. The hotline is also available to non-victims who witness signals of sexual assault or harassment, such as depression, detachment, trust issues and poor work performance. Non-victims can contact the hotline for advice on helping community members displaying these signals, Wynn said.
Community members can also seek assistance off post. There are numerous resources available for victims such as the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center (703) 683-7273 in Alexandria, Va.; Shenandoah Women's Center (304) 263-8522 in Martinsburg, W.Va.; and the Center for Abused Persons (301) 645-3336 in Waldorf, Md.
For more information on the SHARP program and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, contact Master Sgt. Tamika L. Wynn at (703) 805-4718.
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