JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Recognizing sexual assault awareness during April is important, but eliminating the crime is a year-round effort that requires face-to-face engagement with leaders. Leaders and sexual assault victim advocates from the 89th Airlift Wing paid special, no-notice visits to Airmen in their units this week in an effort to promote awareness.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month across the Department of Defense. The goal of this month, according to DOD, is to raise awareness and to promote the prevention of sexual violence through use of special events and public education.
"Sexual assault is a crime and won't be tolerated," said Col. Michael Minihan, commander of the 89th Airlift Wing. "We pause to raise awareness of sexual assault in April, but we don't stop when the month ends. We all have a role in preventing sexual assault every minute of every day."
Awareness campaigns are important, but face-to-face dialogue is the best way for leaders to engage with their Airmen, said Master Sgt. Heidi Huff, volunteer victim advocate for Joint Base Andrews.
"When leaders take a stand, Airmen listen, and believe," said Huff. "Campaigns are important, hand-outs are great. Awareness months are awesome, but can be forgotten. Nothing replaces face-to-face contact and candid conversations with our leaders."
With sexual assault being one of America's most unreported crimes, face-to-face interaction with leadership is important, said Staff Sgt. Christine Kim, flight attendant for the 1st Airlift Squadron.
"It was reassuring to hear that leaders take the issue to heart," said Kim. "It tells people that if you're a victim, you don't need to be ashamed or to hide -- you can come forward, and we will help you."
Help is just a click, call, or text away. If you have been sexually assaulted, please call the Joint Base Andrews 24/7 Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Response Helpline at 301-981-SARC (7272) or 202-767-SARC (7272). Assistance is also available by calling the DoD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247 or by visiting
www.safehelpline.org.