ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- As the country continues to battle the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, Robins is taking a socially distanced approach to educating the base community about an intimate subject.
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and due to social distancing measures in place, the Robins’ Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team is taking an online approach to educating the masses on sexual assault and resources to help survivors.
Shermona Hart, a Sexual Assault Response coordinator at Robins since February, said the SAPR team is implementing an aggressive social media campaign to ensure community members know their resources and how to get help when needed, as well as other events later in the year.
“We are planning to host several awareness and prevention activities throughout the year which includes an “Escape Room,” Healthy Relationships Summit, as well as equipping leadership with best practices and techniques to maintain a healthy command climate,” she said.
Candace Franks, a Sexual Assault Victim’s Advocate new to the SAPR program, said the SAPR team had a full calendar of events, including a self-defense class, yoga sessions at Camellia Gardens, and other activities, but social distancing requirements due to COVID-19 caused those plans to change.
“Due to COVID 19, we are holding a private proclamation signing with the 78th Air Base Wing, 116th Air Control Wing and 461st Air Control Wing individually, with minimal people to adhere to social distancing guidelines,” she said. “We have chosen not to cancel our April events, but to postpone them until this COVID-19 situation is over.”
Franks said her team will use Robins’ Facebook page and the Robins Integrated Resilience and Prevention Office to post information weekly.
Robins’ different approach to discussing the subject isn’t the only thing new this year.
The SAPR program recently welcomed three new members.
Jennifer Husted, a SAVA at Robins since February, said she joined the SAPR team so she could help sexual assault survivors.
“I wanted to use my knowledge and experience to help others,” she said. “I feel sexual assault victims need someone to stand up for them when they can’t stand up for themselves. That’s what I am here for.”
Hart, who has more than 20 years of experience working with victims of sexual violence, said she finds the job rewarding.
“The most rewarding experience in my career was my direct service work clients,” she said. “Every day, I witnessed such bravery, strength and resilience from those who had experienced sexual trauma. It is difficult to articulate in words what an honor it is for someone to allow you to walk with them through something so tremendously difficult.”
Angele Devezin, the Sexual Assault Program manager, said although the COVID-19 has changed some things, it hasn’t changed the commitment her team has to serving sexual assault survivors.
“The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team members pride themselves on being able to serve all eligible members for Robins Air Force Base, 24/7,” she said. “While the staff may be on telework, we continue to meet the clients’ needs, by keeping our 24/7 line open and available to anyone who may need our services.”
Devezin said one of the SAPR team members will meet sexual assault survivors wherever and whenever, with the exception of their home or personal vehicle.
Call (478) 444-2173 or (478) 444-2165 to inquire about SAPR services.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the Sexual Assault Response 24/7 Support Line at (478) 327-7272.