Team Beale raises sexual assault awareness

Published April 9, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- More than 300 runners participated in a 5K Teal Run to kick-off Sexual Assault Awareness Month at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., April 4.

The month of April was designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in 2001 with the goal to raise awareness about sexual assault and educate the public on prevention.

"It's about treating everyone with respect," said Kari Merski, Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, who helped coordinate the event. "It's awesome to see so many of Team Beale come out and support sexual assault awareness."

Merski said that events like the Teal Run are essential towards spreading awareness.

"Every year we try to get people involved and talking about sexual assault awareness," Merski said. "The Air Force is taking active steps to combat sexual assault."

Merski said Beale's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program reinforces the Air Force's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through awareness and prevention training, education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and accountability.

In addition to the Teal Run, Beale's Sexual Assault Prevention Program has set up multiple traveling boards with information about Beale's SARC services, victim advocates, and local survivor testimonials.

"We want Team Beale to know that we are here for them," Merski said. "If you ever need more information or just want to talk, we're here."

The Beale Air Force Base Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) office provides a 24-hour, seven-day a week sexual assault response capability.

According to Merski, sexual assault is a crime that can have psychological, emotional and physical effects. These effects can be brief in duration or last a long time, there is no "normal reaction."

Anyone who feels they have been a victim of sexual assault may contact the SARC office:

SARC 24/7 Crisis Line at (530) 634-4000.

Callers will be given the opportunity to make informed decisions about how they want their situation handled and what support options are available.

In addition to local services, the Department of Defense Safe Helpline is available worldwide, 24/7 by click, call, or text. This confidential crisis support service is for all members of the DOD community affected by sexual assault and is operated through a contract by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

There are five ways to receive assistance through the Safe Helpline:

1. Online: You can communicate live through secure instant-messaging. The service is anonymous and confidential.
2. Telephone: You can communicate over the phone by calling 877-995-5247.
3. Text: Safe Helpline can provide you with referrals by text to your mobile phone. Text your zip code or installation/base name to 55-247 (inside the U.S.) or 202-470-5546 (outside the U.S.) and the Safe Helpline will text back contact information for the SARC on your installation/base.
4. Safe HelpRoom: You can connect with other military sexual assault survivors in a moderated and secure online environment. Topics of weekly sessions are posted on www.safehelpline.org.
5. DOD Safe Helpline App (for iOS or Android): All of the above assistance plus you can create a personalized self-care plan that will be stored on your mobile device.

For more information visit www.safehelpline.org