JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The Sexual Assault and Prevention office kicked-off Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the newly renovated office April 1. 

The ceremony's cutting of the ribbon by Col. Randy Huiss, 15th Wing commander, Col.  Robert Cioppa 15th Wing vice commander, Chief Master Sgt. James Smith, 15th Wing command chief, Machelle Terrell, 15 Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and Ida Wallace, 15th Wing victim advocate,  followed by  a guided tour of the new facility and an open house.

"Today marks the culmination of an idea that began about a year and half ago in 2013," said Terrell. "An idea for a new and novel SAPR office that would serve to enhance the quality of care and support to sexual assault victims."

The SAPR office, located at 990 Scott Circle Building 1113, now has new furnishings, comfortably designed victim service area, a  private entrance to the building, a conference room, a classroom, as well as new office spaces.

"Our new facility contains an array of services and capabilities, which we believe is unlike other SAPR facilities," said Terrell. "The facility has larger office space which has greatly expanded victim support and on-site training capabilities in addition to helping elevate the professional appearance and perception of the SAPR facilities."

This year's Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month's theme is, Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know your part. Do your part. Which is displayed on the front counter of the SARP office reception area.

"This was a great opportunity to open the new SAPR office and start Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month," said Huiss.  "April may be SAAPM, but this is something that is a year-round focus that we have to keep our eye on, and actively moving forward to help eradicate sexual assault."

The ribbon cutting ceremony is only one of the many events scheduled in April for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

The SAPR office will host a Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation signing, family warrior run, library story hour, sunset yoga on the beach, single airman resiliency retreat, fit to defend classes, teen lock-in, first term airmen center mock trail, and a closing beach bash. 

For more information about these events, you can stop by the Sexual Assault and Prevention office or visit https://www.facebook.com/JBPHHSAPR?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser.