Sexual assault ‘hurts one…affects all’ Published March 11, 2010 By 2nd Lt. Kathleen Polesnak 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE -- Last year, there were 14 reported sexual assault cases for the 52nd Fighter Wing. That's an average of about one assault every month. Of the reported cases, 100 percent of the victims knew their assailant and more than half were 24 years or younger. Alcohol was involved in 70 percent of the assaults. But these numbers likely do not paint an accurate picture. Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes, so these statistics only scratch the surface of how many people are affected by sexual assault here, across the Air Force and around the world. Fourteen sexual assaults may seem like a small number, but far more than 14 Sabers were impacted. When someone breaks their leg, their friends, family and co-workers chip in to help them function and work. When someone is assaulted, that person hopefully also has a network of help, but the pain and recovery are more severe and sprawling. The victim cannot simply wear a cast for two weeks to regain their sense of safety and control. Sexual assault doesn't just harm one person - it hurts everyone. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the theme is "Hurts One...Affects All. Preventing sexual assault is everyone's duty." The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program exists to educate military members, their families and civilian employees about sexual assault and its destructive reality, as well as to help victims heal. The negative consequences of sexual assault reverberate throughout a unit and beyond, starting with the victim, then expanding to family, friends and co-workers. This degrades readiness by harming the life of the victim and the military's ability to work effectively as a team. When someone is assaulted, they may not be able to perform basic tasks, and they may miss work for appointments, such as medical, legal or chaplain assistance. This requires fellow Airmen and leadership to step in and help. Preventing sexual assault is everyone's duty. Everyone has the power to make a difference simply by fostering an environment of mutual respect and trust, and not tolerating any behavior that is inconsistent with our core values. This month, the 52nd Fighter Wing SARC office is hosting events to inform, inspire and instigate sexual assault awareness to amend people's perceptions about assault, as well as provide prevention methods. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join the SARC office in this effort. For more information about the SARC program or upcoming events, call 452-6524. For 24-7 sexual assault response and assistance, call 452-SARC. Bowl-a-thon - 11:00 a.m. March 25 at Bowling Center To enter the bowl-a-thon, e-mail: 52fw.sarc@spangdahlem.af.mil. Cost is $12 per person. Payment will be collected at the event and pledge cards will be provided. The person who raises the most money will win an I-Pod. Pizza & movie night - 6 p.m. March 30 at The Brick House Watch "The General's Daughter" and eat free pizza. Race to End Sexual Violence 5K Run - noon and 4 p.m. April 1 at Skelton Memorial Fitness Center A variety of prizes will be given. Self-Defense Classes - 11 a.m. March 19 and 4 p.m. April 8 at Skelton Memorial Fitness Center gymnasium (indoor basketball court) A combat skills instructor will teach basic self-defense and evasion techniques, as well as offer practical advice about staying safe. Pancake Breakfast - 7-9 a.m. April 6 at the Chapel Annex Donations will be accepted and delivery is available with a pre-order. To pre-order e-mail: 52fw.sarc@spangdahlem.af.mil. Guest speaker, Mike Domitz - March 29 Mike Domitz is a leading expert on healthy dating, consent and sexual assault awareness. His presentations are geared toward a variety of audiences and focus on the question, "Can I kiss you?" rather than, "Did she say 'no?'" 8-9:30 a.m. at the Base Theater - "Can I Kiss You" open to all Airmen 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Bitburg High School - "Can I Kiss You" open to high school students 6:30-8 p.m. at Bitburg High School - "Help - My Teen is Dating" open to parents and high school students Guest speaker, Anne Munch - April 13-14 Ann Munch is an attorney with 21 years of experience advocating for and prosecuting on behalf of victims of violent crime, with emphasis on sexual assault and domestic violence. She is an acknowledged national expert in providing training and consulting services to national, state, local and U.S. military law enforcement officials, prosecutors, victim advocates and policy makers. April 13 8-9:30 a.m. at the Base Theater - "Unnamed Conspirator" open to senior NCOs and officers 1-2:30 p.m. at the Base Theater - "Investigation & prosecuting sexual assault cases" open to first responders 6:30-8 p.m. at the Base Theater - "Unnamed Conspirator" open to all Airmen April 14 8-9:30 a.m. at the Base Theater - "Unnamed Conspirator" open to senior leadership Noon-1:30 p.m. at the Base Theater - "Unnamed Conspirator" open to all Airmen 3-4:30 p.m. at the Base Theater - "Unnamed Conspirator" open to senior NCOs and officers