Sexual Assault Awareness Month kicks off Wednesday Published March 27, 2015 By Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Office ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Department of Defense recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It's a time to focus on awareness and sexual violence prevention. The 2015 theme is Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know Your Part. Do Your Part. "Eliminating sexual assault requires every service member be a steadfast participant in creating an appropriate culture and upholding military core values," Under Secretary of Defense Jessica Wright said. Sexual assault is one of the most under reported crimes in society. It's DOD's goal to have all victims of sexual assault report using the unrestricted or restricted reporting options. When victims access medical and mental health care, they're likely to have better recoveries. Sexual assault is a readiness issue. Our mission not only involves national defense, but the defense and safety of the Americans who voluntarily risk their lives for our country. Sexual assault can destroy unit cohesion and is inconsistent with military good order, discipline and conduct. The impact that sexual assault has on a victim can be devastating and, without treatment, can have a lasting negative effect on a person's health and resilience. Sexual assault prevention is everyone's duty. Every Airman must understand the importance of safely intervening and preventing the crime of sexual assault. All Sexual Assault Awareness Month events are free and are open to all Airmen at Robins. -Wednesday through April 30: Traveling Line of Courage is a silent exhibit of self-expression of the violence which plagues our community. The T-shirts, created by survivors and others affected by sexual assault, will be displayed on a clothesline as testament to the problem of violence. -Wednesday: Parking Lot Blitz. SARC volunteers will distribute sexual assault education and prevention materials throughout various parking lots on the base. -April 7, 14, 21, 28: Teal Tuesday. Wear teal to show support for survivors and promote awareness. -April 10 and 20: from 1 to 3 p.m. Survivor Jar Painting - Take the Lid off "iT" - Bldg. 301 Fitness Center Annex; April 15 and 22 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Bldg. 707, SARC Office. -April 15 and 22: Survivor T-Shirt Painting, Bldg. 707 4 to 6:30 p.m.. Sign up by calling 478-327-7272. An outlet for anyone affected by sexual violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt. -April 17: 5K Color Run-A-Mile in Their Shoes. Run or walk a mile to raise awareness and show support for those affected by sexual violence. Check-in at Bldg. 826 HAWC parking lot at 8 a.m. The run will begin at 8:25 a.m. Registration is not required. -April 24: Courage Walk. The Courage Walk is a time to honor the strength and courage of survivors of sexual violence. The walk will begin in between the parking lots of Bldgs. 300 and 301. The SARC office is located in Bldg. 707. The SARC or a SAPR Victim Advocate may be reached 24/7 by calling DSN 497-7272 or commercial (478) 327-7272.