Sexual assault prevention month Published April 2, 2009 By Airman Adawn Kelsey 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- This April will begin a year-long theme for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office at Sheppard called "My Strength is for Defending," said Capt. Jaimie D. Gallego, 82 Training Wing, acting sexual assault response coordinator. There are two events coming up next week. On April 6, Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon, 82nd TRW commander, will sign a proclamation that outlines Sheppard's commitment to awareness and prevention of sexual assault and child abuse. Secondly, on April 8, it is "Go Blue Day". All Sheppard military members will wear their blues to show support for April awareness month. Civilians are encouraged to wear blue clothing. "This year's program campaign has two purposes: To inform military members about the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program and to model basic bystander intervention techniques," Captain Gallego said. SARC provides victim advocates, or people are trained by the SARC office and are also bound by confidentiality, assist when called upon and take personal time to help individuals who need supporting. They are also individuals a victim can reach out to and talk to about anything, as well as connecting the individual to resources onbase or locally. Kaye Whitley, Director Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office at the Pentagon, said it's the duty of every servicemember to intervene and prevent sexual assault. " Commanders and senior enlisted leadership must set the tone in their units," she said. "Military members, in and out of uniform, have a moral duty to prevent this crime before it occurs."