SAPR awareness at Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Caleb Pierce
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month began April 1, with the theme "Know your part, do your part."

Across the Air Force and other Department of Defense entities, SAPR information is the topic for the month of April. Getting educated on how one plays a part can be influential between being a bystander or an intervenor.

The month takes time to focus on key information to help raise awareness and eliminate sexual assault.

"Sexual assault prevention and awareness month is very important not only in April but throughout the entire year," said Sheila Bacon, 39th Air Base Wing sexual assault prevention and response specialist. "We all have a duty to help eliminate this crime that impacts and affects all."

Bacon went on to say that SAAPM is an essential effort to raise awareness and increase ongoing discussions about sexual assault prevention and violence. 

Among these efforts, the SAPR staff and installation volunteer victim advocates offer and are available 24/7 to help and provide opportunities to get information to the community.    

The SAPR program is scheduled to hold several events throughout April, including a proclamation signing, SAPR live radio broadcast, volleyball tournament, kick ball tournament, obstacle course, information booths, The Clothes Line project and denim day.

"Being a SARC allows me to improve education and training while focusing on prevention and if needed the immediate response to victims of sexual assault," said Capt. Leslie Martell, 39th Air Base Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "I can't solve the insidious crime of sexual assault, however, as a SARC, I can commit to remain absolutely relentless in my efforts to reduce the volume of sexual assaults.  I can make a difference and so can you."

For more information regarding the SAPR program or to find out how you can help fight sexual assault, contact the 39th ABW SAPR program 24-hour SAPR response hotline at 676-7272(SARC).