Kadena hosting events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zackary A. Henry
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  This year Kadena's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program has set up an array of events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.

Since 2004, the SAPR program has sponsored SAAM to raise awareness against sexual assault in the military.

"SAAM is organized in the U.S. with civilian and military communities," said Capt. Liz Belleau, 18th Wing sexual assault response coordinator.

In the past, this awareness month and the associated events have brought the community together and shown support for those that have been affected by sexual assault, Belleau said.

Joseph F. Miller, SAPR program manager, has worked in the behavioral health business for the veteran's administration for the last 15 years before applying and being selected for the position in December.

Since retiring from the Army, Miller has continued working with military members and understands the values and rules we hold today. In his line of work, Miller said he can see how sexual assault affects the Airmen in today's Air Force.

"This program benefits the Airmen by making it completely clear that sexual assault is not compatible with the U.S. Air Force core values," Miller said. "(The SAPR) program raises visibility of the trauma that results, and it makes people aware that it's a crime that has, in some cases, lifelong repercussions which adversely affect human beings individually, in relationships, and in potential."

This year, Belleau has set up multiple programs and events for SAAM, including a golf tournament, a proclamation signing, a color run, a glow run and a "Take Back the Night" march.

Though it precedes the month, there will be a SAPR golf tournament March 28 starting at 6 a.m, which is open to anyone with base access and will be run by volunteers on base.
SAAM officially kicks off with the tri-service victim proclamation ceremony on the Gate 1 hill at 9 a.m. This ceremony includes nine commanders signing a joint proclamation standing up against sexual assault in the military. Each commander will have a copy of this proclamation to put up in their respective units.

There will also be a giant ribbon created at the hill on Douglas Street near Gate 1. The ribbon will be a collection of small flags, each one representing a victim of sexual assault on Kadena since the program was started. Each flag is surrounded by black flags representing the community support around those victims including the victim advocates, the SAPR team, chaplains and mental health, as well as group and squadron commanders.

"The evening of April 4 is our big night," Belleau said. "Take Back the Night," is a 1.5-mile march starting at the Schilling Community Center at 6:30 p.m. and ending at Chapel 2. The march will include chants and cheering as victims and advocates demonstrate throughout the time of day when most sexual assaults occur.

When the march reaches Chapel 2, a few leaders will speak to the group. Following the guest speakers, anyone is welcome to come in to the chapel and voice their opinions, offer support, or share stories in a safe and understanding environment, Belleau added.
The group will also be hosting a glow run April 12 - a 5K after sunset at which the SAPR team will be handing out teal glow sticks, necklaces and bracelets. The glow run will start just outside the USO.

There will also be a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner briefing April 15. Belleau said the briefings have been held before but were previously reserved for victim advocates and leadership. This one, however, will be open for the public to see what takes place during a sexual assault forensic exam.

On April 30, there is a color run sponsored by mental health, the SAPR program and family advocacy. This event will start at 6:30 a.m. on the baseball fields.

There will be green corn starch in place of teal for SAPR, red for alcohol awareness for mental health, and blue for child abuse awareness for family advocacy. White shirts will be given out at the event to the first 350 individuals to register. Anyone who wants to keep their shirt colorful after the event can soak the shirt in vinegar to make the colors set, Belleau said.

Belleau said SAAM is slated to wrap up on the last day of the month with an appreciation event for all victim advocates that help make the program possible, Belleau said. This event will be a lantern lighting on Torii Station starting at 5:30 p.m.

Laurie Scudder, 18th Wing victim advocate, said that, of the many benefits these awareness months have, one of the most important benefits is giving a voice to people who may have felt like they never had the right before. Scudder said the service it helps create a stronger community.

"Hopefully this month will be the catalyst that brings the community together in an understanding that folks are going to stand up and say, 'we are not going to accept this anymore, and we are going to stand against it,'" Scudder said. "When people do step forward, the correct steps are going to be taken."

For more information about SAAM or the SAPR program, call the SAPR office at 634-7272 or visit the SAPR website at www.kadena.af.mil/units/sexualassaultpreventionandresponse.