Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Phillip D. James Jr. | Commanding Officer, Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Ohio Cmdr. John L. Nguyen (right),...... read more read more
COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 13, 2013) Personnel from Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Ohio participated in the 2nd Annual Race to Eliminate Sexual Violence as part of their Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) activities.
The Race is a 5k run/walk that was held in Scioto Audobon Metro Park and was hosted by members of the Central Ohio Sexual Assault Task Force. The task force is comprised of The Ohio National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Office, Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO), Deaf World Against Violence Everywhere (DWAVE), Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO), and Climate of Change.
SARNCO Program Coordinator Maytal Russ said, “The Race to Eliminate Sexual Violence helps to raise awareness about the issue of sexual violence in our community. We are asking people in the community to get involved. One of the ways they can do that is to participate in our event.”
According to Russ last year they had over 250 people sign up to participate and they raised about $5500. This year there were 220 people signed up to participate and they raised $8000.
“One powerful message is that we all need to participate, ‘Don’t Stand By, Stand Up’. The main focus of the event is to spread the word and raise awareness and get people to talk about an issue that can be heard to talk about,” Russ said.
According to Russ they also provide materials at the event to help educate the community members on other ways they can help end sexual violence in our community.
Russ said, “The most important thing to keep in mind about sexual assault is if someone confides in you that they were sexually assaulted, it is crucial to tell them that you are sorry that happened to them, you believe them and that it is not their fault.”
According to Russ one of the most common misconceptions about sexual assault is that the blame gets placed on the victim, what they were wearing or instead of placing the blame on the person committing the assault.
According to Machinery Repairman 1st Class Sasha Graff, NRD Ohio’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator the Navy was the first branch to develop a system to aid victims in reporting and getting the assistance they need. In recent years, the Navy has introduced yearly themes such as “Hurts One, Affects All”, “No Sailor Stands Watch Alone”, and this year’s “Courage” that are displayed on posters that identify with sailors. The Navy has also increased access to the options available for reporting sexual assault. Victims can now report in person, by phone or online and receive assistance.
Graff said, “Many believe that only women are sexually assaulted when in fact, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual assault. Another misconception is that most believe they are good at judging the character of another person and can easily identify a sexual offender. The truth is, in most cases of sexual assault, the victim knows the attacker.
What you need to know about sexual assault is that it can happen to anyone. You should always have situational awareness and a backup plan to rely on. If you get into the habit of making good decisions, you can reduce your chances of being sexually assaulted.”
Graff said,” The Navy puts in emphasis on Sexual Assault Awareness Month because sexual assault effects more than the victim. Everyone has a role in stopping sexual assault, and localizing SAAM activities is a great way to extend this message.”
According to Graff this is the first year that NRD Ohio has participated in the 5K. There were three Sailors and one civilian that ran and some other sailors assisted by setting up the registration booth and handing out water to the runners in the race.
NRD Ohio Command Master Chief Aaron Shipley said, “The Navy emphasizes sexual assault awareness because sexual assault is illegal first and foremost, but it’s also degrading to good order and discipline and it goes against what we as sailors stand for.”
According to Shipley the command previously increased awareness through discussion, training briefs.
“This year Petty Officer Graff took the bull by the horns, so to speak, and stepped up support,” said Shipley.
Shipley said, “I think it’s appropriate that our sailors participate and shows their dedication to stand up in support of this most cowardly of crimes.”
Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Glenn Liwanag, a race participant said,” I participated in the Race to Eliminate Sexual Violence for two reasons: 1st the cause is very important to me and I like to do what I can to support it and 2nd running has always been my favorite activities.”
Liwanag said, “This was my first 5k race. I had fun meeting other people during the race. I would like to thank all the people that volunteered and organized that event. I highly recommend it to all my friends and family.”
| Date Taken: | 04.13.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 05.02.2013 15:01 |
| Story ID: | 106233 |
| Location: | COLUMBUS, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 181 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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