BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and members of the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center hosted special guests from local law enforcement to discuss the serious issue of sexual assault, particularly in connection with child abuse.
While the topic is sensitive, the discussion aimed to educate and inform the audience about the real dangers of sexual assaults against children.
“Our first line of business is always to educate and inform people,” said Krista Nawrocki, the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. “People may have questions, but they won’t always feel comfortable seeking out those answers. I think these presentations help people to understand things better and get those questions answered in a safe environment.”
Featured speakers Gerald Yott and Kyle Bowers of the Michigan State Police discussed previous cases and outlined warning signs and troubling behaviors to watch for in sexual predators. The officers also spoke on their many years of experience of pursuing suspects and noted how rewarding it is to catch criminals who perpetrate these crimes, although the effects are lasting.
“If you can bring light to a dark place and rescue a kid from the traps of that nightmare, so they can go home knowing that person has been sent to prison, it’s amazing,” said Sgt. Yott of the Computer Crimes Unit. “But that kid is never going to have their innocence back; it’s gone forever.”
While a difficult topic to discuss, the goal of the event was to encourage awareness of the serious problem of sexual assault.
“Sexual assault is a much bigger problem than people understand or are willing to admit,” said Mike Cannon, DLA Disposition Services Director. “I’m a firm believer that awareness breeds prevention, and prevention is far superior to response.”
The month has featured other events, such as the Clothesline Project, to promote awareness and education within the HDIFC.
“The Clothesline Project is a visual representation of the impacts of sexual and child abuse in our community,” said Nawrocki. “The purpose is to give a voice to victims and survivors of sexual assault and child sexual abuse.”
The month’s activities and events—both within the building and nationally—are designed to highlight the need for tough conversations and raise awareness about the fact that each person can play a role in preventing sexual assault.
“I urge us all to take personal responsibility in preventing sexual assault and supporting those affected by it,” Cannon said while addressing the HDIFC workforce. “I really want to thank you for your commitment to helping us maintain a safe, healthy work environment.”