While April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, it's an important issue all year long. 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.