SIGNATURE THE
SIGONELLA, SICILY
May 3, 2013
Vol. 30. No. 17
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
NAS Sigonella supports sexual assault awareness
Service members from Naval Air Station Sigonella walk together in support of sexual assault awareness, April 24. The organized walk concluded activities held throughout April to increase awareness. (U.S. Navy photo by MR1 Gary Spence)
by mr1 gary spence NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
Service members from the Sigonella community joined together to participate in Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s 8th annual Sexual Assault Awareness Walk in front of the Admin Building on NAS II, April 24. The walk was the final event for April, designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which included such activities as selfdefense classes and information tables set-up around the Sigonella community to distribute literature and bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault. According to Sigonella Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Angela Dooney, the statistically “at-risk” population for sexual assault are E-1 – E-4 females between ages 18 and 24, and service members away from home for the first time. Most sexual assaults are alcohol related and involve an acquaintance. In response to these statistics, the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) developed the Sigonella Safe (SIG Safe) program, which focuses on high-risk behaviors, risk reduction, and active by-stander intervention.
This year’s Department of Defense (DoD) theme, “We own it …We’ll solve it …Together,” conveys the principle that it is the duty of each and every service member to actively combat sexual assault and ultimately, collectively eliminate sexual assault. “It is paramount that we take measures to prevent sexual assault through risk reduction and active bystander intervention,” said Dooney. "We must also ensure that victims of sexual assault are supported through initial command and system response and throughout their ongoing recovery process.” Victims may not want to come forward for a number of reasons, so there is an option available for restricted reporting which allows the victim to seek needed services. With the unrestricted reporting option, law enforcement and the command are notified and medical and support services are provided. Restricted reporting is confidential and provides the victim with medical treatment, counseling, and advocacy services without command and law
enforcement notification. DoD Directive 6495.01 provides the restricted reporting option to active duty service members and their family members ages 18 and older. Dooney also wanted to point out the tireless efforts of all the victim advocates who stand by 24 hours a day to respond to a sexual assault report. “I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank our incredible team of victim advocates, who are truly on the front lines, responding to calls of sexual assault, day and night, 24/7. It is by no means an “easy” job, but it is a very important job and so this community thanks you for your volunteerism and service!” Due to the fact that most sexual assaults involve alcohol and young service members, the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP), and Drug and Alcohol Program Advisors (DAPA) all had members present to show their support and dedication to preventing sexual assaults.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” - Winston Churchill
Around Sigonella
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Trecastagni honors three patron saints.
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