BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Usually, the month is full of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month events at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center; however due to the current pandemic the activities have been postponed but that does not mean that sexual assault awareness and prevention fall to the wayside.
“Awareness is critical because knowing about this issue means that if it happened to someone, they would know where to go for help,” said Robin Rogers, Defense Logistics Agency Sexual Assault and Response coordinator. “Many survivors don’t know who they can talk to about their assault, where to turn or even identify that it was an assault. They may feel alone, confused, scared or embarrassed. For survivors and their support people, knowing where to turn to in a crisis is a step that can impact the rest of their journey.”
President Donald Trump signed the 2020 Sexual Assault and Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation March 31.
“…No person should ever have to endure the anguish and indignity of sexual assault. This horrific crime affects Americans of every age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. During National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault, encouraging strong criminal justice responses to these crimes, and ending the scourge of sexual violence in our homes and communities.
Sexual assault is a particularly egregious and dehumanizing form of violence. Even after physical injuries of a sexual assault have healed, emotional and mental trauma can persist. Survivors often struggle with lingering anxiety, fear, anger, shame, and depression. The devastating aftermath of sexual assault can also harm a survivor’s relationships with their loved ones. My Administration has made combating sexual assault a top priority.”
Rogers is available for associates via email and phone. She is focused on client care, victim advocacy and awareness.
“Building awareness about sexual violence is also one of the biggest steppingstones in prevention and creating change,” Rogers said. Victims need the strength of the community to prevent this crime from happening to others.”
She helps survivors and their support systems find counseling and treatment needed. She can also help associates in the case of sexual assault with the process of filing an official complaint with the Equal Employment Office or with local law enforcement.
She wants survivors to know they are not alone, and it is never their fault. No one deserves to be sexual assaulted.
If you or someone you know has been assaulted or needs assistance, they should contact their SARC or call the DLA SAPR Hotline 1-800-841-0937.