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NSAM Kicks-Off Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
U.S. Navy photo by Melinda Larson

NSAM Kicks-Off Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

By Melinda Larson, NSAM Public Affairs

A Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) proclamation was signed by the commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Monterey, April 5.  The theme for the 2018 campaign is "Protecting Our People, Protects Our Mission: Raise Your Voice for Prevention!”

"The Navy is dedicated to establishing a culture and work environment that is safe and sexual assault free," Capt. Rich Wiley, NSA Monterey commanding officer, said following the signing ceremony.  “Our goal is to fight for zero sexual assaults in the Navy.”

In part, the proclamation urged all members of the Navy community to stand up against sexual assault and make a difference.  With Naval Postgraduate School victim advocates on hand for the proclamation signing, the installation commanding officer thanked them for continuing the fight.  

“You are the good guys who are there to pick up the pieces following a sexual assault.  Thank you for being part of the solution,” Wiley said.   

The Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) estimates that about 14,900 military service members experienced some kind of sexual assault in 2016. This figure is down from an estimated 20,300 active duty members experiencing a sexual assault in 2014, according to the SAPRO website.

Locally, the Navy has 12 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response volunteer uniformed victim advocates.  According to NSA Monterey’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), the advocates serve as a voice for survivors of sexual assault, and continuously assist them however long a survivor needs support.   

“You all work really hard in your roles as volunteer victim advocates.  When you have the duty phone for a week and have to take a call, I’m confident in your abilities and I know victims appreciate your support,” said Jennifer Schoen, NSA Monterey’s SARC.

Schoen has various events scheduled in recognition of SAAPM including setting up information tables at locations around the base and a "SAPR Super Hero Run" April 11 in La Mesa Housing at 3 p.m. The performance troupe "Pure Praxis" will be here April 18 at the King Auditorium at 1 p.m.

"The Pure Praxis performance troupe raises awareness about victims of sexual assault by involving its audience members in proactive training,” Schoen added.

Sexual Assault Prevention is an important element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department. The Department of the Navy is working aggressively to prevent sexual assaults, to support sexual assault victims, and to hold offenders accountable.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, please call one of the numbers below for confidential support:  
DoD Safe Helpline-877-995-5247
NSAM 24/7 hotline-831-760-2329
NSAM SARC-831-760-0020
NAS Lemoore SARC-559-381-8649
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April 2018

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