HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and thel Air Force continues to observe this month in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions.
The theme of SAAPM is “Protecting our People Protects our Mission.” Department of Defense SAPR offices worldwide work closely with the Safe Helpline to ensure the best response and prevention efforts are available to all Airmen.
The Safe Helpline is the DOD’s sole hotline for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. It is a completely anonymous, confidential, and available 24/7 at safehelpline.org or 877-995-5247. There is also a Safe Helpline app available for download in the App Store or Google Play.
In the last year, the Safe Helpline has made strides to make its information and resources more readily available to those it serves. These efforts include updating the Safe Helpline app, which includes access to all services in one place, such as instructions and prompts for self-care exercises like deep breathing.
The updated app available from the App Store or Google Play has a live chat feature and is a great tool to use at any time, but especially when members are serving in the field.
Additionally, a new program called Safe HelpRooms, which is accessible through the app, launched to allow certified sexual assault response coordinators or victim advocates to host local group chats.
These HelpRooms can offer tailored assistance for a range of topics and can be scheduled to assist specific groups at times that are conducive to serve people.
Another new feature is the Safe Helpline Responder Database, which identifies more than 2,500 military and civilian resources globally. The database information is audited semi-annually and is regularly updated by SAPR personnel to ensure information is accurate.
The Safe Helpline also offers courses, outreach materials, and can even provide face-to-face presentations to stakeholders upon request.
To learn more about these topics or other Safe Helpline information, please visit safehelpline.org and search the preferred subject. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, you can talk to someone right now.
During this time of social distancing, those wishing to speak in person with a SARC or victim advocate should first call the hotline.
Preventing sexual assault is not the sole responsibility of the SAPR office or any individual.
Change requires a continuous pledge from each and every member of the Air Force, both military and civilian. Stay connected by following the Hill AFB Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Facebook Page for more events and trainings during the month of April. For more information, contact the SAPR Office at hill.sarc@us.af.mil or 801-777-1950.