Sexual Assault Awareness Month

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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  This annual occurance provides the opportunities to highlight the efforts the Department of Defense takes to combat the crime of sexual assault and promote prevention through special activities and public education. This year's theme is "My Strength is for Defending."

"It is intended to highlight the fact that our mission not only involves national defense, but the defense and safety of the Americans who voluntarily risk their lives in our defense," said Capt. McKay Balog, Kadena's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. "Every service member, from senior leaders to the most junior airman, soldier, marine, or sailor, must understand his or her duty to safely intervene and prevent the sexual misconduct. Sexual assault degrades mission readiness and is fundamentally at odds with the responsibility of the men and women in uniform to treat all people with dignity and respect."

Within the last four years, the DoD and military services have created new policies to address sexual assault prevention, according to Captain Balog. The goal of this new approach is to establish a climate of confidence throughout the military in which:

Sexual Assault is a crime that is not compatible with military service.

· Sexual assault and the attitudes that promote it are not tolerated;
· Victims of sexual assault receive the care and support that they need; and,
· Offenders are held accountable for their actions. 

In addition to April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month and in keeping with other U.S. national observances, Kadena's Integrated Delivery System, or helping agencies, highlight April as Month of the Military Child, Child Abuse Prevention and Alcohol Awareness Month. 

"Working collaboratively under the collective theme, 'Spring into ACTion - Awareness, Commitment, and Transformation,' demonstrates Team Kadena's enduring spirit of life and value of community, and public service," said Jaime Shachter, Family Member Program Flight chief.

The 18th Force Support Squadron kicks of April's awareness activities with the Spring into Action 5K Fun Run/Stroller Walk Saturday, at 7 a.m. at the Risner Fitness Center. Later Saturday afternoon, 18 FSS will host Springfest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marek Park filled with games, entertainment, food, prizes, and photos with the Easter Bunny in a carnival-like atmosphere.

IDS agencies will shift the focus to sexual assault awareness and host the Empowered Women Self-Defense Training for ladies ages 16 through adult at the Risner Fitness Center April 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. Morale, Welfare, and Recreation will close out the month with the Torii Beach Grand Opening focused on fun for Airman and families April 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, the Kadena Child Development Centers and Youth Programs will provide opportunities to highlight and celebrate military children throughout the month. Representatives from the IDS helping agencies will be available at these and other events with resources, information and giveaways to foster Team Kadena's awareness, commitment, and transformation for the health, wellness, and safety of our community.

Find out more about what you can do to prevent sexual assault by participating in local SAAM and other events during the month of April. Contact your Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or visit http://www.sapr.mil.