Navy Region Southeast Raises Sexual Assault Awareness

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Monica R. Nelson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

April 17, 2010 - JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Region Southeast underscored the region's initiatives against sexual assault by signing a Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) proclamation Apr. 15.

Rear. Adm. Townsend "Tim" Alexander signed the proclamation while the Region's Executive Director Bruce Cwalina and nine members of the Southeast Region's family readiness program looked on.

"This proclamation is a springboard for education and awareness," said Alexander. "Effort from every individual is necessary to ensure safety and quality of life for our shipmates and in our communities. Sexual assault is an affront to mission readiness because it undermines the health and dignity of individuals. The well-being of the Navy is dependent upon the well-being of its people. I urge all personnel to reach out to victims, learn more about this crime, speak out against it, and intervene to prevent it."

According to Commander, Navy Installations Command, the Navy recorded approximately 600 reports of sexual assault in fiscal year 2009. A sexual assault is an attack that can reverberate throughout a unit and beyond, degrading readiness by harming the life of the victim and the ability of a unit to work effectively as a team.

"This is a pivotal time in Navy history surrounding sexual assault awareness and prevention, with the highest level of attention from Navy leadership on the issue that I have seen in my 10 years experience working for the Navy," said Julie Mooney, Southeast Region credentialing and programs manager. "Leadership and those on the front lines working in sexual assault prevention and response have called for a culture change within the Navy where sexual intimidation, harassment and assault are not tolerated."

Alexander's proclamation echoes the Department of Defense 2010 SAAM theme of "Hurts one. Affects all."

Installations within the Southeast are already responding by hosting leadership training, 5k walk/runs, setting up information booths and conducting training in civilian sexual assault and rape crisis centers.