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| News > Wright-Patt programs utilize 'out-of-the-box' thinking, collaboration |
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New SARC-branded giveaways range from magnets, mints and computer mousepads to posters and pamphlets targeting men and women. A key fob that can be pulled to trigger an ear-splitting alarm is an attention-getting deterrent; another intriguing giveaway tool is a drink coaster that tests drops of a beverage for the presence of such “date rape” drugs as GHB, Rohypnol and Ketamine. (Skywrighter photo by Niki Jahns)
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Wright-Patt programs utilize 'out-of-the-box' thinking, collaboration
Posted 10/5/2012 Updated 10/5/2012
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by Amy Rollins
Skywrighter Staff
10/5/2012 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- Two key programs at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base are collaborating to combat domestic violence and sexual assaults.
The Sexual Assault Response Prevention and Response Program (SAPR) and the Family Advocacy Prevention/Outreach Program (FAP) are working together to promote the notable observed commemorative month of October as Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. A host of activities as well as new prevention and educational materials are helping them do just that.
"In domestic violence, sexual assault happens," said Simone Koram, installation SARC director. "Your Wright-Patt helping agencies are working together to assist anyone dealing with personal assault issues."
"Typically, sexual assault is part of domestic violence," said Beverley Knight-Stukenborg, BSN, MSW, Family Advocacy Outreach manager. At the information fairs the partnering programs are holding at the base Exchange, Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters and Commissary, "we are encouraging people to step up and look at the information. Again, we're promoting healthy families," Ms. Knight-Stukenborg said, "because the military does not tolerate domestic violence. It only takes one person to make a difference in someone else's life as far as helping people to get the help they need in case they're a victim, or to spread the word that hey, the military is out there to help you."
She added that Family Advocacy also offers a variety of programs, including classes, for families to participate in. These classes help participants home in on their communication skills, marriage relationships and parenting skills.
Ms. Knight-Stukenborg recently attended an international summit on violence, abuse and trauma. She said this is a nationwide concern and wants base personnel to know about prevention and taking charge to help.
"If someone knows that a co-worker -- be it military, civilian, retiree or anyone who visits this base -- should they notice that someone is having a problem, at least get them in touch with Family Advocacy, or somebody witnesses or hears about somebody being sexually assaulted, that yes, they need to come forward and talk to the SARC office.
"We want total awareness of all the programs that are available here on base through Family Advocacy and to the SARC office," Ms. Knight-Stukenborg said. "We want to stomp out domestic violence and sexual assault."
Giveaways help promote awareness
The SARC program, recognizing that PowerPoint slides in briefings aren't always effective at prevention, has creatively come up with new ways to promote their program. A number of new SARC-branded giveaways are being utilized. They range from magnets, mints and computer mousepads to posters and pamphlets targeting men and women.
A key fob that can be pulled to trigger an ear-splitting alarm is an attention-getting deterrent; another intriguing giveaway tool is a drink coaster that tests drops of a beverage for the presence of such "date rape" drugs as GHB, Rohypnol and Ketamine.
The SARC program is very visible in the classroom, Ms. Koram said, as the program reaches out to its prevention target group of 18- to 24-year-olds. "Our Victim Advocates brief at FTAC (First Term Airmen Center) and USAFSAM (USAF School of Aerospace Medicine. These individuals are getting the information, but sexual assaults are still happening. These new items are the result of thinking outside the box."
"We were trying to think of innovative ways to kind of get into (the target group's) social life like the coasters," said 1st Lt. Sarah Ricketts, Victim Advocate and deputy chief, Program Execution Group, Mobility Directorate (AFLCMC/WL). Information on the back of the coaster provides information and guidance.
"This has become very popular," Ms. Koram said. She has networked with other SARC programs that have seen an increasing number of sexual assaults and compared notes on prevention materials, while Kimberly Roe, SAPR program assistant, worked with vendors.
Lieutenant Ricketts spreads the word -- and the giveaways like the coaster -- at the Kittyhawk Bowling Center and Community and Airmen Center, both of which serve alcohol and where the target population can be found.
"We are exposing the new generation of Airmen so they will be more prepared for the future because, unfortunately, sexual assault is not going anywhere. It's an ugly crime."
For more information about Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Sexual Assault Response Prevention and Response Program (257-7272) and the Family Advocacy Prevention/Outreach Program (257-4608), visit an information fair:
· AFMC HQ, Oct. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
· WP Medical Center, Oct. 15 and 29, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
· Base Commissary, Oct. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Self-Defense Classes and Information Fairs, brought by both helping programs, will be held at the Wright Field Fitness Center (gym) on Oct. 10, 17 and 31, 11:30 to 1 p.m.
To attend one of the free self-defense classes, preregister by calling the FAP office at 257-4608. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle and towel to class.
As President Barack Obama said on Oct. 3, 2011, "We are asking everyone to play an active role in preventing and ending domestic violence, by stepping up to stop violence when they see it. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recommit to making sure that no one suffers along, and to assisting those who need help in reaching a safer tomorrow." |
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