As a part of Nationwide Sexual Assault Consciousness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), the Division of Protection (DOD) launches its STEP FORWARD marketing campaign. This 12 months’s theme, “STEP FORWARD. Stop. Report. Advocate,” is a name to motion for everybody within the Division to do their half to stop sexual assault and encourage larger help looking for.
Commemorated each April by each civilian and army communities, DOD observes Sexual Assault Consciousness and Prevention Month to emphasise the hyperlink between army readiness and wholesome unit local weather. Over a decade of analysis demonstrates that sexual assault happens much less usually in models the place members help and respect one another. Information additional reveals that sticking up for somebody who’s being hazed, bullied, harassed or abused sends a powerful message that helps enhance climates.
“We’re all very completely different folks that come collectively within the service of our nation. The STEP FORWARD marketing campaign acknowledges that every of us within the army neighborhood can take motion to make our models safer,” stated Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Workplace Appearing Director Dr. Nate Galbreath. “Prevention begins with recognizing that our day after day interactions, when respectful, can snowball into making the army an important place to work and reside.”
Elizabeth Foster, Govt Director, Workplace of Drive Resiliency stated, “We’re laser centered on change that advantages our folks and our army’s effectiveness. The harmful impression of a sexual assault is felt on the particular person degree and past, and threatens the readiness of our troops. I ask each member of our DOD neighborhood to help the STEP FORWARD marketing campaign. Make it your small business to encourage acts that assist forestall sexual assault, improve reporting, and advocate for a safer, respectful office. Our mission calls for it.”
If you happen to or somebody you understand within the DoD neighborhood has skilled sexual assault, please contemplate reaching out to DoD Protected Helpline for twenty-four/7, nameless, one-on-one help at 877- 995-5247 or SafeHelpline.org/live-chat.
