By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Swink,
Commander, Submarine Force Pacific Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- "Live Our Values: Step Up to Stop
Sexual Assault" was the message at the Sexual Assault Prevention and
Response (SAPR) banner unveiling event at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, April
4.
A coordinated event between Commander, Submarine Force, U.S.
Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) and Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (COMNAVREG), the
banner unveiling officially recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month
(SAAM), with the goal to raise public awareness about sexual assault and to
educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.
"For the last two years, the Navy and the entire
Department of Defense has been on a pretty significant journey in figuring out
how we can rid ourselves of sexual assault," said Capt. John Russ,
COMSUBPAC chief of staff. "Last year, we had lots of discussions about
sexual assault - we are getting everyone educated, and most importantly, people
are taking action against sexual assault."
Considerable time, effort and focus have been placed on
sexual assault prevention and response. The goal is to empower each individual
command to take ownership of this problem by focusing on the values we should
embody day-in and day-out.
"Reporting has increased 46 percent from FY12 to
FY13," said Lt. Crystal Campbell, COMSUBPAC's Sexual Assault Prevention
and Response officer. "Though it may sound like a negative data point, it
is truly a testament of progress.
"Sexual assault is a crime that is underreported and
it's a significant obstacle to overcome," said Campbell. "An increase
of reporting shows that Sailors are trusting leadership and trusting the
process to come forward."
The Navy's goal is to reduce and eliminate sexual assault by
fostering a culture of prevention through education and training, which
includes encouraging Sailors to take action through bystander intervention.
Bystander intervention training helps Sailors understand the value of
intervening with other Sailors who may encounter risky situations that, if
unchecked, may lead to sexual assault.
"It's when somebody steps up and intervenes; when a
friend at a bar jumps in and intervenes when he sees a potential sexual assault
developing, or when a Sailor walks a friend home so they get home safely,"
said Russ. "It's a testament to all the training that's been done and all
the conversations we have had about this crime."
The Navy has adopted a comprehensive approach to tackling
the problem of sexual assault and is continuing to change its culture
surrounding the issue.
"There has been an array of efforts, such as roving
patrols on base and barracks, decreased hours of alcohol sales, increasing
emphasis on command climate, and all-hands events with distinguished
experts," said Campbell.
April has been designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month
for past 10 years. Events throughout the month are being held fleetwide to
raise awareness and reinforce the efforts to eliminate sexual assault from the
Navy. It also provides Sailors with opportunities for personal involvement in
communicating key messages.
For more information about Sexual Assault Prevention and
Response, visit the Navy's SAPR program website at www.sapr.navy.mil, or the
Department of Defense SAPR office website at www.sapr.mil. Additional
information can also be found through social media channels and the hashtag
#StepUpStepIn.
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