April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This year’s theme is “Step Forward. Prevent. Report. Advocate.” This is a call to action for individuals at all levels of the Department to use their personal strength to bolster prevention, increase reporting, and promote advocacy for a safer DOD Community.
The Military Health System and Defense Health Agency support these efforts and are also in a unique position of providing critical care to those who experience sexual violence. As we observe SAAPM this year, it’s a great opportunity for individuals within the MHS and DHA to highlight actions in support of prevention, reporting and advocacy, while also amplifying the key resources available throughout the Department and within the MHS for anyone who has experienced sexual trauma.
Messages for Communicators
Prevention
- Everyone has a role to play in fighting the crime of sexual assault.
- Units with less sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and workplace incivility tend to have less sexual assault.
- DOD leaders at all levels must promote healthy workplace climates and correct behavior that is counter to the military’s culture of dignity, respect and inclusion.
Effects of Sexual Assault
- As with any trauma, there is no universal reaction to sexual violence, and individuals may experience a wide range of emotions, reactions and effects.
- Survivors may also experience psychological, emotional or physical effects that may be difficult, and impact them at different points in their lives.
- However, healing from sexual violence is possible.
- With the right help and support, these effects can be managed, and survivors can lead healthy and fulfilling lives after an experience of sexual assault.
How to Seek Help:
- Survivors can access resources available through Department and the Military Health System at any time after experiencing sexual violence.
- Adults who experience sexual violence can contact their local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator to learn more about their reporting options, and available resources, as well as for facilitating access to additional care and support services.
- The DOD Safe Helpline offers anonymous, confidential, 24/7, specialized support and information, anywhere in the world. In addition to providing support, survivors can also receive contact information for their local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.
- If survivors are in need of medical assistance, they can access care through the Emergency Department at their local military hospital or clinic or civilian facility, as well as non-emergency care through their primary care provider or local clinic.
- Such care can include treatment for acute conditions and injuries, pregnancy prevention and sexual transmitted infection testing and treatment.
- Medical forensic examinations are also available through the Emergency Department for survivors interested in medical forensic evidence collection.
- The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate can help facilitate access to Forensic Health Care Examiners, in addition to access directly through the Emergency Department.
- Behavioral health care appointments are available for survivors through the local military hospitals and clinics.
- Referrals can be obtained through the survivor’s primary care provider, Forensic Health Care Examiner, or Sexual Assault Response Coordinators can assist in facilitating the care.
Graphics and Social Media Content
Suggested Social Media Message: April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This month, members of the military community are encouraged to enact the 2022 SAAPM theme: STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate. This is a call to action for individuals at all levels of the DOD to use their personal strength to advance positive change in preventing and reporting sexual violence. We ask that you join us in taking a #StepForward by highlighting acts that bolster prevention, increase reporting, and promote advocacy for a safer DOD community. #SAAPM #SexualAssault #PreventAssault #TreatmentCanHelp #StepForward https://www.sapr.mil/
Suggested Social Media Message: If you have experienced sexual assault, help is available. Contact the DOD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247 to receive anonymous and confidential support and obtain information on your reporting options. #SAAPM #SexualAssault #PreventAssault #StepForward https://safehelpline.org/
Suggested Social Media Message: All members of the military community deserve to work and live in a respectful, inclusive environment while serving our nation. Anyone can experience sexual assault or hazing that crosses the line. It takes courage for anyone to report sexual assault. Learn more at the DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office Men’s SAPR Campaign site: https://www.sapr.mil/mens-sapr-campaign #SAAPM #SexualAssault #PreventAssault #TreatmentCanHelp #StepForward
Suggested Social Media Message: It takes courage for anyone to report a sexual assault. Be there to help someone and you can make a real difference. www.safehelpline.org, 877-995-5247 #SAAPM #SexualAssault #PreventAssault #TreatmentCanHelp #StepForward
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