“Protecting our People Protects our Mission” April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

Since 2012, the Department of Defense's annual reports on sexual assault in the military have reported regular declines in the prevalence of sexual assault among the force.

In April 2018, the Department of Defense observes Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, offering an opportunity to continue to improve outreach and support to victims while also expanding prevention efforts.

“Together, we can advance the department's mission by creating an environment where negative behaviors are not tolerated, condoned, or ignored, and offenders are held appropriately accountable,” said U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Ann Burkhardt, DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office director. “Our military readiness depends on providing a safe environment for all those devoted to keeping our nation safe.”

The DoD SAPR office announced this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month theme: "Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission." 

The theme offers numerous opportunities to deliver messages that relate to both the individual and unit level. Each service member can encourage behaviors that foster a climate of dignity and respect, and in doing so, help ensure readiness to complete the department's mission. 

“Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is incredibly important because it’s a tool to start conversations about what sexual assault is, how to prevent it and how to support survivors,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Julie Dewey, 673d Air Base Wing deputy sexual assault response coordinator. “This is especially important for the issue of sexual assault because it is a crime that people are often uncomfortable speaking about.”

Continuing with the theme "Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission," which debuted in the 2017 campaign, enables continuing the messaging that, regardless of rank, grade or job specialty, everyone can take action to protect one another. The theme's tie to "protecting our mission" supports the DoD's priorities to enhance readiness and lethality.

The SAPR office is responsible for oversight of the DoD's sexual assault policy. SAPRO works hand-in-hand with the services and civilian community to develop and implement innovative prevention and response programs.

SAPR and Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention will be hosting several events across Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, in April in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Throughout the month will be a silent display of 3,852 teal flags arranged outside the commissary in the shape of a ribbon to represent the number of reports of sexual assault across the Army and Air Force in fiscal year 2016.

Everyone is invited to attend a Walk-A-Lap, scheduled for April 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Elmendorf Fitness Center indoor track in support of survivors of sexual assault. The goal is to total 6,172 laps walked to represent the number of reports of sexual assault across the DoD in fiscal year 2016.

Jeff Bucholtz from We End Violence is scheduled to present two topics at the professional military education center April 23 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The topics are different and non-concurrent, so those interested can come to either or both. Bucholtz will address cultural norms surrounding sexual violence in an actionable way.

A 5K run/walk is scheduled for April 27 at 6:30 a.m. at the Buckner Fitness Center.

Dewey stresses the impact attending these events has in the fight against sexual assault.

“It all starts with being aware,” she said. “There are so many misconceptions regarding sexual assault, so taking the time to learn more about the issue is important. Then you can take that information and use it to change social norms and foster a climate within your area of influence where sexual assault and harassment is not tolerated. By making changes at the individual level, you can help promote change within your relationships, your community and society as a whole.”

There are a number of different resources available for those looking for information, assistance, or advocacy services. In addition speaking with the SAPR/SHARP Offices, there is also a local rape crisis center in Anchorage called Standing Together Against Rape. Medical providers, chaplains, and the Special Victim's Counsel are also confidential resources. On a national level, the DoD Safe Helpline is an anonymous resource that can be reached at 877-995-5247 or at https://www.safehelpline.org/.

“If someone has experienced a sexual assault, I want them to know our office is here for them 24/7/365 if and when they ever need us,” Dewey said. “While April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and a lot of our awareness initiatives are held in April, this is a year-round effort.”