Hurts one, affects all

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  April is sexual assault awareness month, and this year's theme is "Hurts one, affects all."

"We're all affected by sexual assault," said Micaela Boling, Elmendorf's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office's program assistant.

Ms. Boling said that the victim isn't the only one hurt by sexual assault. The family and friends of both the victim and the alleged assaulter are brought into it. Additionally if one of the people in the situation is a military member then their unit's cohesion and readiness is affected.

"It's your job as Airmen to help each other out if you see someone in a potential dangerous situation," said Ms. Boling. "If you see someone in danger you should approach them and find out what's going on and help them if needed. Remember your safety is always the number one priority."

Ms. Boling said there are events that will take place throughout the month of April to keep the community aware of the potential dangers and the frequency of sexual assault.

There will be six shows of the improv show "Sex Signals" April 6th and 7th at Elmendorf's base theater at 7 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This show is mandatory for senior airmen and below and is open for anybody over 18 years old who is part of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson community.

Also on the schedule is a proclamation ceremony scheduled for April 1 at the Loussac Library in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. An internet safety class is scheduled for April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the base theater; the class will be presented by the Anchorage Police Department's Cyber Crime Unit. The class is for people 18 years and older and will show parents and guardians the potential dangers that the internet poses to their children.

Elmendorf's SAPRO will be teaming up with joint forces to put on a five kilometer run or walk May 22, which is scheduled to be downtown. The 5K will benefit Standing Together Against Rape, a local rape help center. Volunteers are still needed for this event.

For more information of the following events, other events or questions about sexual assault, call the SARC at 551-2033 or 551-2035.