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"Striking out" sexual assault

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

 A “Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month Bowl-A-Thon” is taking place at the Cactus Lanes Bowling Alley on Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, April 3, 2017.

Teams of four will compete against each other while helping bring awareness to and “strike out” sexual assault. Each group, squadron and office on Laughlin can enter an unlimited amount of teams, and entry fees are $7 per person.

“The Annual Strike Out Sexual Assault Bowl-A-Thon is an event aimed at raising awareness across our base and our community, about sexual assault and its pervasiveness throughout our ranks, both military and civilian,” said Capt. Rebecca Sullivan, 47th Flying Training Wing alternate sexual assault response coordinator. ” Through the use of a bowling tournament, we are able to gain more base participation and lighten the emotional burden of the very serious subject that is sexual assault.”

Not only is it a fun event, but it helps to promote prevention of sexual assault through educational efforts, Sullivan said. “We also use this opportunity to re-emphasize the helping resources that the SAPR office provides to victims/survivors of sexual assault and engage with those that may be unnecessarily suffering in silence,” she said.

With April being national Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Laughlin’s SAPR team is capitalizing on the matter.

In addition to the bowl-a-thon, the SAPR team has other initiatives planned that will help raise awareness about sexual assault: a SAPR table talk is scheduled for April 5 in Silver Wings, a color run is slated for April 15 and the “Be a Hero 5/10k” is set for April 29.

“[April] is a dedicated time when we in the SAPR office participate in outreach events to ensure the people on base are aware of our presence,” Sullivan said. “We spend a lot of our time focused on victim care and classroom style training throughout most of the year, so April is the opportunity for us to make this oftentimes heavy subject, a bit more relaxed.”

“For those who are considering joining us: it's going to be a fun event, with opportunities for fellowship with Airmen across the base, good food, and prizes,” said Sullivan. “If you aren't fond of bowling there will also be bingo, so head over, have lunch, and enjoy the camaraderie!”

 

For additional information on the bowl-a-thon or other upcoming events, contact the SAPR office at 830-298-4545.