Sexual assault prevention and response raises awareness through poker tournament

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ariel D. Delgado
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas --  "No means no!" and "What is consent?" read the poker playing cards used at the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response "I'm all in!" Texas Hold 'em Tournament held at Club XL last month.

The event was themed "I'm all in! Men standing against sexual assault." The tournament was designed to draw in a different crowd, men specifically, to raise awareness on sexual assault prevention.

"Normally, SAPR events draw in men and women equally," said Sabrina Peña, 47th Flying Training Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "Most events focus on sexual assault targeting women, but the reality is, both men and women can be victims."

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, men and boys are often victims of sexual assault.

The poker tournament was meant to target a population that doesn't normally get individual attention by traditional outreach and prevention efforts, explained Peña.

At the entrance, attendees received t-shirts, coffee mugs, bracelets, card decks and pamphlets filled with information on sexual assault awareness and prevention.

Out of the 71 attendees, 75 percent of the participants were male, including, officers, enlisted, civil service employees and contractors.

The winners of the poker tournament won a variety of electronic items, including a television, portable DVD player, Blu-Ray player and more. Awards were also given to the players with the best and worst poker face.

The SAPR team's goal was to raise awareness in a fun way, explained Peña.

"This event brought out people I do not normally see at SAPR events," said Peña. "That, to me, is a great turnout. We had fun, but we also learned. That's what's important."

For more information on Laughlin's SAPR program, contact Peña at 298-4545.