Photo By Sgt. 1st Class William Howard | Former Assistant State Attorney Veraunda Jackson empowers Soldiers of the 4th Infantry...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo. — Former Assistant State Attorney Veraunda Jackson shared her personal accounts of sexual violence to Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division during Sexual Assault Awareness Month at McMahon Auditorium, April 9.
A survivor of sexual violence, Jackson fights the war against sexual crimes by sharing real-life stories with service members.
“I’ve had my own journey and I find courage every time I tell my story and the stories of the men and women who are serving our country,” said Jackson detailing her experiences and those of fellow survivors. “The magnitude of what that can do for one person either to prevent the crime from occurring or to help the one out of three to four women or one out of six to eight men who have already experienced this trauma is vital.”
Jackson said she has witnessed a cultural change in the military during the 10 years she has given her speech.
Jackson explained that people now feel safer and are confident to come forward and uphold the Code of Conduct.
“We’re here to take care of each other not hurt each other,” said Jackson.
Some Soldiers in the audience experienced their first sexual assault education from Jackson’s presentation.
“Today I learned that victims of sexual assault need to seek help and receive support from their leadership,” said Pvt. Blake Tannahill, infantryman, Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. “I’m going to educate my squad and tell them how they can seek help.”
Senior Soldiers with previous sexual assault training appreciated Jackson’s emotional accounts.
Staff Sgt. Diana Damm, victim advocate, Company C, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div., said Jackson’s speech was the most informative sexual assault education she’s ever experienced.
“It was very personal and shared specific events about how people are affected by sexual violence,” said Damm. “Making the audience more aware about what victims have experienced.”
Jackson said she appreciated the chance to share her journey with the Soldiers of 4th Inf. Div.
“I’m honored to be here and the fact that the program is so active with the support of the leadership speaks volumes about the commitment of the chain of command,” said Jackson.
For questions or assistance, call the 24-hour Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention hotline at 719-338-9654.
| Date Taken: | 04.09.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2014 17:47 |
| Story ID: | 127318 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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