Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam --
April 2015 marks the 14th annual observance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). By bringing awareness, recognition and training to our Airmen, this program has made great strides towards reducing sexual assaults in our Air Force. A Department of Defense survey indicated that in 2012, one in six victims of a sexual assault reported the assault. By 2014, that rate had improved to one in three. That’s good news for our Air Force.
This year’s SAAPM theme is “Eliminate sexual assault: know your part, do your part.” Knowing your part means educating all Airmen on sexual assault and how to identify predatory behavior. Doing your part means possessing the fortitude to intervene when appropriate, to report crimes, and to support victims. Raise your voice when necessary; step in—don’t tolerate sexist jokes or language; walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk.
Sexual assaults are crimes that take an extraordinary toll their victims. This, in turn, significantly degrades our mission readiness. The momentum towards reporting and preventing this criminal and predatory behavior must continue if we are to create a climate of dignity, respect, and trust needed to succeed in our mission. When every Airman, at every level, understands, internalizes, and adheres to our Core Values and standards of behavior, this will occur.
This crime will not be tolerated in our Air Force, nor will retaliation toward its victims. Our Air Force has a history of successfully overcoming challenges—solving this complex issue is every Airman’s responsibility. Do your part!
Visit the Air Force SAPR website to find your local SARC, learn more or report an assault.