JBA 5K starts April SAAM events

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nesha Humes
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Joint Base Andrews' Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program hosted Run with Color 5K to kick off the multiple events scheduled for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 1, 2015.

"It was our first year doing the color run and it was a great turn out," Andrea Verdino, JBA SAPR program manager said.

More than 200 joint-service members participated in the run, where members painted their hands, face and clothing in teal colored powder.

Col. Brad Hoagland, JBA/11th Wing commander and Capt. Anthony Gilbert, Naval Air Facility Washington commanding officer, signed the Proclamation for SAAM 2015, prior to the run.

This year's theme, "Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know Your Part, Do Your Part," was emphasized by the proclamation.

"Ending sexual assault within the JBANAFW community must include active public and private efforts in collaboration with commanders and service members, including awareness about sexual violence, how to intervene, how to prevent it, how to help survivors."

The SAPR's Program mission is to give military members and dependents over the age of 18, who are victims of sexual assault, options to seek help and/or maintain confidentiality in reporting.

SAPR received its start in January 2005. Since then, the DoD Care for Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force has instructed more than 1,200 SARCs, chaplains, lawyers, and law enforcement as first responders. In addition, the U.S. Armed Forces has trained more than one million service members and established sexual assault program offices at all major installations.

The SAAM 2015 campaign boasts several events throughout the month of April in the National Capital Region. The JBA events are listed below:

Scavenger Hunt, April 8, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. : Pick up starts at the Sexual Assault Prevention Response Office, 1349 Lutman Drive

Take Back the Night, April 17, 7-9 p.m. : A candle light vigil and walk will be held at Liberty Park and end at the dorms.

Information booth at JBA Half Marathon, April 18, 7 a.m : Building 1413 parking lot, across from Outdoor Recreation

Base Exchange Information Tables, April 2, 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

National Denim Day, April 29: All Civilians are authorized to wear denim, to show support for SAAM

For more information on Sexual Assault support or to receive help, visit: https://safehelpline.org/about-safe-helpline or call 1-877-995-5247.