NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- April is widely recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month both in and outside of the military. To mark the significance of the initiative and to acknowledge the prevalence of the issue in the U.S. Military, the NFARS community hosts and participates in various events.
The 914th Air Refueling Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Nikki Slaughter-Smith, states that the events serve as an opportunity to educate members on how to properly prevent and report instances of sexual assault as well as offer support to victims.
“The purpose is to bring specific awareness to the issue at hand: sexual assault in our military. We all know that it exists and that we’re doing things to prevent it, but it’s just to bring it to the forefront for a month,” said Slaughter-Smith. “Let’s highlight that there are things we can do to prevent it. Let’s highlight taking care of victims. Let’s highlight that it’s an important issue to address.”
The installation will host various events throughout the month, including awareness walks which will take place every Tuesday from 1130-1200 on the base track.
Other events include:
Jeans for Justice- Wednesday, April 25, all day
2 mile run/cookout- Wednesday, May 16, 1100, base track (May 17 rain date)