Sexual Assault Awareness, Prevention Month observance continues virtually

  • Published
  • By Lauren Russell
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

The month-long observance raises sexual assault awareness and educates community members on how to prevent it. Officials from the Sexual Assault Prevention office are committed to continuing the annual monthly observance through virtual activities and challenges.

“We all have a role to play in preventing sexual assault,” said Jersouk Touy, installation sexual assault response coordinator. “While we continue to practice physical distancing, we’re asking our community members to stay engaged with the initiative.”

The 2020 campaign is titled “protecting our people protects the mission.”

Touy and her team of victim advocates have created the “30 days of SAAPM” calendar that includes trivia, challenges, and activities meant to raise sexual assault awareness and how to prevent it.

The calendar can be found on the SAPR Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SAPR_Hanscom_AFB.

“Because we’re all at home right now, this is a great opportunity to share this information with our families,” said Rachel Desharnais, installation victim advocate. “This is a chance to have the conversation and get into the mindset of prevention.”

Despite hosting events virtually, the SAPR team is still available for calls, emergency or not, and reports. The SAPR team can be reached 24/7 at 781-225-7272.

“We’re still here for the community,” said Touy. “We will always respond to calls, and can coordinate whatever support someone needs.”