Annual campaign highlights awareness Published March 31, 2009 By Staff Reports ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Our nation observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month during April. This year, the Department of Defense campaign for SAAM reinforces the role of the bystander and promotes responsibility and intervention. Responsibility is shifted from the victim and perpetrator to the community as a whole. This campaign's effort encourages bystanders to take an active stance in creating a safe environment. Everybody shares responsibility when it comes to sexual violence prevention. Bystanders act before violence takes place and break the silence around sexual violence. Bystander intervention is society's collective response against sexual violence. The Elmendorf Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office relies on the help of its volunteers to promote prevention and to respond on a 24/7 basis. The first group is the Trainers Program. This group provides trainings around the installation for the general public. The second group is the Victim's Advocates. This group works directly with victims of sexual assault by providing essential support. Several activities are scheduled throughout April and May to raise awareness on this topic. These activities include a self-defense class, movie reviews, and "Sex Signals." The latter is an interactive show that combines comedy and education to address the challenges of dating and sexuality. This activity is mandated for dormitory residents. For more information on the show, visit www.catharsisproductions.com. Other activities around the local community include: "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" and "Stand Up, Speak Out." For more information about the activities or volunteer opportunities, contact the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Darmaly Williams, at darmaly.williams@us.af.mil or call 551-2033.