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BAGHDAD - “No means no, even if it’s just a whisper,” said Sgt. Dennis Alexander, information systems operator with Company A, III Corps Special Troops Battalion.
Finding your voice and making it more than a whisper was the focus of the conference hosted by the Sisterhood Against Sexual Assault at the Liberty Field House Oct. 19.
“We are working to get more attention and participation from the service members. We are reaching out to help those who are in need and are afraid to come forward,” said Maj. Lisa Belcastro, USF-I Engineer Capacity Development plans and operations officer and SASA program director.
“We want them to know that they are not the victims, nor is it their fault should they be in a situation. They are not alone, and we are here to help them.”
The program promotes sexual assault awareness, educates people about prevention measures and provides an additional support system to complement the normal chain of command, she said.
“Reliable leadership is an important element in today’s military. Establishing trust and mentorship is vital to ensuring service members are safe and taken care of,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur L. Coleman Jr., senior enlisted advisor for the USF-I deputy commanding general for operations, and III Corps command sergeant major, who spoke at the conference as SASA’s guest speaker.
“We all have a role to do, believe it or not. Part of my role is leading by example, leading from the front, and being an example shows we are not only getting involved, but doing something about sexual assault,” said Coleman.
His presence at the conference supports USF-I leaders’ zero-tolerance approach to sexual assault, said Belcastro.
“The organization is grateful for the support they receive, as they hope for progress in reaching out to more individuals,” Belcastro said.
The organization meets once a month to focus on mentoring female leadership, educating junior enlisted service members and the teaching of basic life skills.
"It is a good cause. It is a great message and I encourage other male service members to come out." Alexander said.
There is a lot of information to gain, at these events -- especially when you hear it from a woman’s perspective,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 10.23.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.23.2010 07:49 |
| Story ID: | 58666 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 7 |
This work, Conference helps raise awareness, combat sexual assault., by SPC Charlene Apatang Mendiola, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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