Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities planned Published April 5, 2007 LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas -- In April, the Department of Defense observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This annual event provides the opportunity to increase knowledge and promote prevention of this crime through special events and public education. This year's theme for SAAM is Stand Up Against Sexual Assault...Make a Difference, which encompasses an attitude toward prevention of this violent crime, reminding us that each of us - leaders, peers and subordinates - can make differences through our actions, said Sabrina Pena, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. She added that a lack of action exacerbates the crime. This is contradictory to DoD policies that address sexual assault prevention, seeking to establish a climate of confidence in which: _ education and training create an environment in which sexual assault and the attitudes that promote it are not tolerated; _ victims of sexual assault receive the care and support that they need; and, _ offenders are held accountable for their actions. "Take an active stand in learning more about sexual assault and its prevention by participating in local SAAM events during the month of April. Your efforts could have a long-term effect on one of your fellow service members. Prevention is the key. Make a difference," Ms. Pena said. SAAM Events: Information Booth at Family Day is April 7 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Fiesta Center - Information will include "Good Touch/Bad Touch" coloring books and parental discussion guides, internet safety, and information for parents on preventing child sexual exploitation. A Self-Defense class with Cedric Pickett is from noon until 1 p.m. April 10 and 12 at Su Casa - Learn self defense tactics over your lunch hour. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in. Space is limited, so reservations are required by calling 298-4545. "A Day of Parenting Magic" is from 1 until 4 p.m. at the Parent Appreciation Fair at Su Casa - Information Booth will include "Good Touch/Bad Touch" coloring books and parental discussion guides, internet safety, and information for parents on preventing child sexual exploitation. Other booths will be available with information for parents including saving money for college, internet safety, parenting tips, helping with homework, etc. The morning will feature a " 1-2-3 Magic Class" for parents. Space is limited in the workshop, so reservations are required by calling 298-6422. Door prizes will be given throughout the Parent Appreciation Fair. Work on A Survivor Tribute Quilt from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. April 18 and April 26 at Su Casa - The Sexual Assault Awareness Planning Committee is collecting "survivor tribute" quilt blocks for Laughlin's first sexual assault survivor tribute quilt. During these two events participants can stop in and decorate a quilt square for someone who has been a victim of sexual assault. All supplies will be provided during these two events. Blank quilt squares will also be available for pick up at the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) next to Tri Care, Family Advocacy, and the Airmen and Family Readiness Center throughout the month of April. Rules of Engagement: · Blank quilt squares provided only please · Only survivor's initials can be included (optional, not required) · Do not include offender name or initials · All materials used to decorate the squares must be permanent and washable · Squares must be in good taste and not offensive · The Sexual Assault Awareness Planning Committee will approve all squares before inclusion in the final product. · Squares may be submitted anonymously by dropping in the box located at each of the distribution points. "Date Rape Drugs" is the subject of a Lunch & Learn that is from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. April 19 at Su Casa - Bring your own lunch (dessert and drinks provided) and learn about date rape drugs. GHB, Roofies, Special K, X, OTCs...sound familiar...would you know if you had ingested one of them? Would your kids? If not, sign up for the work shop by calling 298-SARC. "Whether you are dating or not, this workshop is for you," Ms. Pena said. Story Hour is 10 a.m. April 20 at the Base Library - Volunteers will provide coloring books to children on "Good Touch/Bad Touch" and parental discussion guides. "Wear a Pin; Share a Pin" is April 23-27.Wear a teal ribbon in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Pins will be available at all the events throughout the month and at the SAPR Office (next to TriCare) Wounded Men: Heroic Men is the subject of a Lunch & Learn from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., April 24 at Su Casa - - Bring your own lunch (dessert and drinks provided) and learn how sexual assault impacts the lives of men...through the victimization of themselves and the ones they love. With the prevalence rate of 1 in 33 men and 1 in 5 women, the man you love had probably been personally impacted by sexual assault. The discussion will include how men deal with sexual assault and how their trauma is both similar and different from that of women. This special workshop is open to both men and women. Please RSVP by calling 298-SARC. Searching for Angela Shelton is a documentary shown from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. April 27 at Su Casa during a Lunch & Learn - Bring your own lunch (dessert and drinks provided) and watch the critically acclaimed documentary by Angela Shelton. As she journeys across the United States meeting other Angela Sheltons in an effort to survey women in America, she discovers that 24 out of 40 Angela Sheltons have been raped, beaten or molested - 25 if she includes herself. This filmmaker's survey becomes a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, faith and the power of the human spirit, no matter what your name is. In all probability you know someone who was abused, if you think not, meet the Angela Sheltons. For reservations, call 298-SARC. For more information on activities, call 298-SARC.