SARC urges Team Eglin to be safe during spring break

  • Published
  • By Debbie Allen
  • Eglin Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE. Fla. --  Spring Break, a longstanding tradition, for years has engaged college-aged men and women in the practice of seeking ways to comingle.

Borrowed from the Greek, this ritual views spring as a time to thaw out from the winter chill and usher in the warmth of approaching summer months. The "road trip" is seen as an exciting venture, fueled by anticipation of fun in the sun and maybe a little romance.

Florida has always been a destination of choice for spring breakers and literally thousands will make their way to the coast. What is often not a consideration for this journey, however, is the realization that reckless abandonment of moral and ethical decision making can have devastating, if not deadly results.

Eglin Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, under the leadership of the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, provides a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week response to adult victims of sexual violence. The SARC, with a team of victim advocates, provides crisis intervention, coordination of care and emotional support to men and women who may find themselves victims of this crime. The program's best support is being proactive and providing tips for reducing risks.

RAINN the world largest web-based network for sexual assault prevention has posted a number of tips for those planning to travel during Spring Break:

1. Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in any situation, go with your gut
2. Even though you're on vacation don't let your guard down completely
3. Form a buddy system
4. Avoid being alone or isolated with someone you don't know and trust
5. Practice safe drinking
6. Be aware of your surroundings
7. Secure your room or property
8. Make a plan
9. Be prepared
10. Report suspicious behavior
(Visit http://www.rainn.org/ to get details regarding these tips and much more)

In addition, The SARC recommends the following tips for Team Eglin: Know your alcohol limit and pay close attention to intake; Don't be a by-stander, step in and help someone if the need arises; pay attention to "red flags" that provide warning when something is wrong; and most of al l... don't be afraid to ask for help.

To report an assault, call (850) 240-3219 (24/7). Information and risk reduction materials are available at the SARC Office (Bldg 605). To contact the SARC directly, call (850) 882-2122 during regular duty hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.) or email deborah.allen@eglin.af.mil.