FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Fort Rucker will observe Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in April with the Army theme of: Intervene. We are a team. There is an us in trust. Can they trust in you?
The theme focuses on the importance of building a culture of trust, according to Shana C. Morris, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence installation lead sexual assault response coordinator.
“This places an emphasis on facilitating trust among each other to intervene to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault,” Morris said. “We are trusting each other, fellow Soldiers, and our leaders to do the right thing and intervene to stop a potentially harmful situation from occurring.
“For me, this theme continues to build on our past and look towards our future within not only the SHARP Program, but the Army,” she continued. “We all have a responsibility to create and maintain an environment of trust. Trust strengthens our unit cohesion, allowing for healthy climates and reducing harmful behaviors. It’s our responsibility to continue to build, strengthen, and sustain cohesive teams and trust amongst our units.”
SAAPM is a Department of Defense-recognized month that aligns with the nationally recognized annual campaign of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
“SAAPM is important because it brings awareness to sexual assault, and educates communities and individuals on how to prevent it,” Morris said. “Our participation in this month allows our leaders and personnel across the installation to engage in conversations, and highlight their efforts in eliminating sexual harassment and sexual assault.”
The following are events planned for the month.
* Wear Teal Day – To help raise awareness of sexual assault prevention, people are asked to wear teal each Tuesday in April. Teal is the nationally designated color that symbolizes supporting survivors of sexual assault and is recognized throughout SAAPM.
* Strike Out Sexual Assault – The 110th Aviation Brigade will host its Strike Out Sexual Assault Bowling Tournament April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the post bowling lanes. Teams for the event can be made up of four-five bowlers per team. Cost is $2.50 for bowling shoes and $1.75 per game for bowling. Random questions on SHARP will be asked during the tournament. Wrong answers will forfeit a frame for their team to signify a loss of a team member to sexual assault. To sign up or get more information on the event, call 334-255-0566.
* The Amazing Race – The 1st Aviation Brigade will host The Amazing Race event April 20 starting at 6 a.m. at Bldg. 6902. People can assemble teams of four-six people to show their support to the Army’s SHARP program. For more information or to register, call 334-255-2930, or 334-255-2948.
* Denim Day – SHARP officials encourage people to wear denim April 26 to express support for sexual assault survivors, and also as a protest against these crimes and the negative stigma they carry, according to an Army G-1 memo. The Denim Day observance began in Italy after a 1999 Italian Supreme Court decision overturned a 1992 rape conviction based on the victim’s clothing. The justices argued that because the woman was wearing tight jeans, she must have given consent.
The most important thing people should know about preventing sexual assault is speaking up, according to Morris.
“Intervention is key! Speaking up and intervening in situations helps other people feel comfortable in speaking up and reporting harmful behaviors,” she added. “You never know if someone in your formation has been a victim of sexual assault. Speaking up allows for a survivor to know they are supported, and the behaviors exhibited are not tolerated.”
Help and support is available for those who experience sexual assault, Morris said.
“If someone becomes a victim of sexual assault, they should know it is not their fault and that there are people who care about their safety and well-being,” she added. “They can call the installation SHARP Hotline at 334-470-6629 where a credentialed SHARP professional can confidentially assist with their rights, reporting options, referrals and advocacy.”
A victim may also choose to contact the DOD Safe Helpline. The DOD Safe Helpline can be found via a mobile phone app store, the online webpage at www.safehelpline.org, or by phone at 877-995-5247. The DoD Safe Helpline offers confidential support, information, resources, training and assistance identifying responders at the victim’s current location in both Army-affiliated and civilian sectors. “They also offer a Safe HelpRoom that allows victims to participate in anonymous chat support,” Morris said.
People who feel they are witnessing sexual assault should utilize the Army’s 3 D’s of intervention, she added.
* Direct – address the perpetrator or remove the individual from the situation.
* Distract – Do something to distract the perpetrator, like change the subject, ask either person to go do something, or mention that someone else is coming.
* Delegate – Arrange for someone else to intervene or take the individual away from the scene. If the situation is not safe to intervene, then reach out to local law enforcement for assistance.
For more information on prevention, people should reach out to their unit’s SHARP professional or leadership.
“We all have a responsibility to live the Army’s values, and ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect,” Morris said. “By speaking up, intervening and continuing to build trust amongst each other, we can build a healthy climate with the goal of reducing harmful behaviors.”
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