"Sex Signals" production raises sexual assault awareness, prevention Published May 3, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard wrapped up Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a theater production to raise sexual assault awareness and prevention during the "Sex Signals" one-day event at the base theater May 1. Catharsis Productions created an innovative approach to the uncomfortable and sensitive subject of sexual assault with their production "Sex Signals." The production is the most popular touring program to military bases all over the world. The two Production Educators, George Zerante and Kristen Pickering, used audience interaction and improvisation to give a provocative look at sex, dating, relationships and rape. The duo used real-life scenarios to emphasize the reality of sexual assault. Valerie Cook, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator chief, said she highly recommends the program to anyone who hasn't seen it. She said the program promotes positive behavior and is an innovative way to raise awareness. "This program gets the audience personally involved and uses real-life scenarios; scenarios that the people in this age group deal with," Ms. Cook said. "This is an opportunity for the Airmen in Training, Navy students, soldiers in training and permanent party to learn how to be active bystanders and good wingmen in situations that could lead to sexual assault." As an example, one of the scenes featured an Airman who was accused of raping a woman and thought he wasn't at fault because even thought the victim whispered stop and she didn't physically try to stop him. Mr. Zerante stressed the fact that 'stop' always means stop. He said that even though the victim wasn't physically trying to stop the perpetrator, she made it clear she did not consent. "It is in situations like this that we have to support victims; listen to them and not be judgmental so they can become confident enough to get that 'Airman' who commits sexual assault out of the Air Force," he said. Ms. Pickering said she feels the production is getting the point across. "I genuinely think this is making a difference," she said. "We are talking about issues and real life scenarios and addressing them. So when things like this happen people in that situation will know what to do." Airman 1st Class Candice Norwood, a SARC victim's advocate, attended the event and said she felt it was an eye-opening experience. "These are situations that are very real," she said. "This program gives answers to a lot of questions that people have and haven't had the confidence to talk about it. Sexual assault can be a really sensitive subject to talk about and this really brings it out in the open."