HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Though live events such as the annual Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) Breakfast and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Open House and Self-Defense Seminars have been postponed until August, Hill Air Force Base is still observing SAAPM during the month of April.
The SAPR office serves as the single point of contact for integrating and coordinating sexual assault victim/survivor care 24/7, 365 days a year with walk-in access during duty hours and the via the SAPR Hotline is 801-777-1985.
During this time of social distancing, those wishing to speak in person with a sexual assault response coordinator or victim advocate should first call the hotline. SAPR personnel also provide sexual assault prevention training across the installation.
The theme of SAAPM is “Protecting our People Protects our Mission.” Preventing sexual assault is not the sole responsibility of the SAPR office or any individual. Change requires a continuous pledge from each and every member of the Air Force, both military and civilian.
To reinforce this commitment, leaders from across Hill AFB will be signing the proclamation throughout the month while practicing proper social distancing.
The proclamation reads:
“Whereas, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is a reminder of the constant impact this crime has on our mission, our base, and our organization. All service members, DoD Civilians, contract personnel, and family members must use this opportunity to continue in creating a safe and compassionate community for our Team Hill family; and
Whereas, every individual, every unit, every community has a responsibility to recognize and act to reduce sexual assault and harassment. We can make a difference. We can prevent another child or adult from becoming a victim. We can shape an environment that refuses to accept crimes against others and offers support from the AF family; and
Whereas, the theme for the Department of Defense’s 2020 campaign is, “Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission/CORE.” Among our people, in our units, there are survivors. For those who have had to live this reality, the impacts may affect them every day. Team Hill can care, believe, and support, while making part of our mission eliminating sexual assault.
NOW, THEREFORE, we, Team Hill Leaders, do hereby proclaim April 2020 as SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH throughout the base community, and call upon personnel and their families to act. If we see conduct that could potentially lead to sexual assault, we need to step in and prevent it to the best of our ability and support those who have already been hurt. Everyone must make this a priority, so every airman can FLY HIGH together.”
Follow the SAPR Office on Facebook at “HillAirForceBaseSAPR” for more events and training during the month of April, or contact the office at hill.sarc@us.af.mil or 801-777-1950.