HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month both base personnel and the community gathered at Hill Air Force Base to increase awareness about the importance of sexual violence prevention.

The theme of this year’s event was “Protecting our People Protects our Mission.” During the event, base leadership signed a proclamation affirming the base’s commitment to the prevention of sexual assault.

This year’s guest speaker was Thomas Tremblay, retired chief of police for Burlington, Vermont, and a leader for the prevention of domestic and sexual violence.

Defined as intentional sexual contact characterized by the use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent – sexual assault, directly or indirectly affects every Airman.

Capt. Carly Lazos with base’s SAPR office said change requires a continuous commitment from each member of the force, both military and civilian.

The SAPR office provides sexual assault prevention training across the installation. It also serves to integrate and coordinate sexual assault victim and survivor care 24/7, 365 days a year.

The offices SAPR hotline can be reached 801-777-1985.