AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR --
Service members at Al Udeid Air Base have the chance to do their part to help eliminate Sexual Assault by participating in a series of events aimed at raising awareness during national Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, which is observed throughout April.
This year’s theme "Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know Your Part. Do Your Part" emphasizes the importance of everyone playing a part in preventing and responding to sexual assault--knowing when and where to intervene and taking action to step in to prevent it.
“Basically it comes down to being active bystanders and good wingman to each other. It's all about respect,” said Capt. Amy Torres, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for the base.
Torres said that a variety of events are planned to educate the community on topics such as protecting one's self and the impact sexual assault has on an individual. Events include a basic self-defense class, trivia night, CrossFit event, mock trial and a 5K Glow Run.
“The idea is to build awareness and bring the community together in solidarity with those who are survivors of sexual assaults,” she said.
Russel Strand, chief of U.S. Army Military Police School Behavioral Sciences Education and Training Division, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and leading expert on sexual harassment and sexual assault investigations, will be the guest speaker at the end of month.
Master Sgt. Kristi Hedinger, Sexual Assault Response Program victim advocate, said that SAAPM activities provide an excellent opportunity to focus attention on individual roles in preventing sexual assault, and are a great way to extend this message.
“The self defense class is all about empowerment. It gives you some basic skills so you can defend yourself and others,” Hedinger said. “It’s about learning life skills that will help you protect yourself against any assault.”
Both Torres and Hedinger have been in the Air Force for several years and have been involved with the SAPR program for a while. They both agree the program has had a positive impact in the battle to eliminate sexual assault in the ranks.
“The Air Force has taken a strong stand against sexual assault and provides the tools to Airman at all levels through bystander intervention training to ensure everyone knows and does their part in preventing sexual assault,” Torres said. “I think it is important to shining the light on the issue that one is too many.”