April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month Published April 8, 2008 By Tech Sgt Corazon R. Santiago 61st ABW Los Angeles Air Force Base -- During April 2008, DoD will observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month for the fourth consecutive year. SAAM presents an opportunity to focus our efforts on sexual assault awareness and prevention. This year's theme is "Prevent Sexual Assault: Ask...if friends need help, Act...when they do, and Intervene... when you see trouble, focuses on the ability of every Service member to prevent sexual assault by taking an active role in looking out for the welfare of friends and co-workers. Research shows that most people have difficulty identifying situations that require intervention. Even if they are aware of a potential problem, studies indicate that no one is likely to act if others are not taking the initiative to respond. As Airmen and Civilians, you have the ability to encourage each other to ask, act, and intervene in situations where people may be in jeopardy. This is especially important when alcohol is involved. Taking a stance against potential perpetrators of sexual assault is an important part of prevention. Creating an environment of mutual respect and assistance is also an important factor in prevention. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is the perfect time to highlight some of the positive things that you could do to prevent assault and promote healthy interactions. This annual event highlights the efforts that the DoD and the Air Force are taking to combat the crime and promote prevention through special activities and public education. The Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Office will be holding the following special events: Denim Day, April 10: Great time for LAAFB civilians ONLY to join Long Beach Sexual Assault Crisis Agency in a collaborated effort to break the dress code and the silence by wearing jeans to participate in "Denim Day California." It is a public education campaign designed to call attention to misconceptions and misinformation about rape and sexual assault, as well as the problem that many in our society remain disturbingly uniformed about assault and forcible rape. Sexual Assault Prevention Seminar, April 11: Internationally known speaker Jackson Katz will lecture and lead an interactive discussion regarding interpersonal violence from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Gordon Conference Center. 10th Annual Speak Out, April 18: Cal Sate Long Beach-Soroptomist House, an evening of healing and empowerment for Sexual Assault Survivors, hosted by Long Beach Sexual Assault Crisis Agency will be held from 5 to 9 p.m.. Outreach Fair, April 23: Los Angeles AFB Helping Agencies (SAPR, Family Advocacy, HAWC, EO and A&FRC) will be hosting an Outreach Fair in the SMC Courtyard from 10 am. To 2 p.m. This year's theme is "Making a Difference in the Lives of Others." The fair will promote awareness and aid in prevention efforts that significantly impact our community as a whole.