Fairchild recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month Published March 26, 2013 By Senior Airman Mary O'Dell 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE- Wash. -- During the month of April, Fairchild Air Force Base looks to bring awareness to sexual assault. The sexual assault prevention and response office will be hosting several events this month around base including: · Special Victims Unit guest speaker at the base chapel, April 11 at 1 p.m. · A cake cutting ceremony at the Dining Facility, April 17 at 11:30 a.m. · Self-defense class at the base gym, April 19 from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. · A sexual assault/child abuse prevention awareness walk/run, April 19 at 7 a.m. Another event, called The Clothesline Project, allows victims to express their emotions against sexual assault victimization by decorating a t-shirt. The shirts are then hung on a clothesline in the base gym during April to be viewed by others as a testimony to the problem. "Our main focus is simply to bring awareness to the sexual assault prevention program," said Ms. Jessica Bradshaw, sexual assault response coordinator for Fairchild. "We are here for victims if they want to use our services." The SAPR program is designed to support victims through the times they need it most, with no judgment. "My job as the SARC is to ensure there is coverage 24/7 for victims of sexual assault," said Bradshaw. "However, this program couldn't function without the victim advocates that volunteer their time to help others." Victim advocates are volunteer active-duty military and Department of Defense civilians that are there to support the victims throughout the entire process from start to finish. Personnel must apply to become a VA through the SAPR office and attend the necessary training if accepted into the program. "We want everyone to know that we're here and have great resources on and off base for victims that need our help," said Bradshaw. The SAPR office offers support to active-duty military, DoD employees, contractors and dependents 18 years of age or older, as well as retirees. "We have an open door policy," said Ms. Nancy Makar, SAPR program assistant. "We don't let anyone fall through the cracks." Maj. Sandy Smock is the SARC for the 141st Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild. While she handles the Air National Guard and Guard Army members in the surrounding area, Smock and Bradshaw often work together, ensuring a successful program. "Being responsible for any SAPR issues on the east side of the state for both Army and Air Guard, it's especially beneficial to have so many resources available on an active duty base," said Smock. "It's helpful to join forces and share ideas with the 92nd SARC and work with community team partners in the prevention and response of sexual assault for Citizen Airmen and Soldiers." For more information about SAAM and any of this month's events, including The Clothesline project, call the SAPR office at 247-4444.