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SAN DIEGO - More than 100 runners and walkers of all skill levels waited for the signal to mark the start of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) 5,000 meters (5K) race in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in San Diego.
The command-sponsored event, now in its fourth year, was created to help raise awareness about Sexual Assault Prevention and Response and to support the Navy-wide initiative. This year’s theme, “Live Our Values: Step Up to Stop Sexual Assault,” was central to the day’s event.
“Sexual assault prevention and response is important throughout our DOD and civilian community year-round. Every April we take the time to refocus our efforts and commitment to eliminating sexual assault from within our ranks,” said Lt. Cmdr. Scott Hodge, the sexual assault prevention and response officer for the command. “Everyone that came out to support today’s event can help create and maintain a culture where sexist behaviors, sexual harassment and sexual assault are not tolerated, condoned or ignored.”
A table lined with brochures and information was set up near the starting line. Representatives from the Navy’s SAPR Program were on hand to answer questions and provide information.
People of all ranks and skill level gathered for an afternoon of friendly competition to raise awareness and encourage solidarity against the scourge of sexual assault. Donned in brightly colored running and walking shoes, those who did not participate stood at the sideline cheering others on, while volunteers recorded times and gave out water to all those who participated. The SPAWAR Chief Petty Officer mess held a barbecue to support the run, too.
Commands throughout the Navy have been hosting events in April to raise awareness about responsible behavior, bystander intervention and safety precautions. Within SPAWAR, leadership has been communicating regularly with the workforce and supporting all efforts to reinforce the seriousness of the crime.
Experts with the Department of the Navy Sexual Assault and Prevention and Response Program state that sexual assaults are one of the most underreported crimes in the Navy. One in three female service members, and one in eight males, will be the victim of a sexual assault or harassment at some point in their life. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, that number is one in six in the general population.
SPAWAR is working diligently with Navy leadership to raise awareness, increase education and training, and reinforce the message that these types of crimes will not be tolerated. Through combined efforts, the goal is to ensure victims receive the care and support they need and that offenders are held accountable for their actions. Everyone has a role in stopping the crime of sexual assault and activities such as SPAWAR’s 5K run are a way to reinforce that message.
For more information on the U.S. Navy SAPR program, visit http://www.navy.mil/navydata/sapr/index.htm.
For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/spawar/Pages/default.aspx
| Date Taken: | 04.11.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.11.2014 17:49 |
| Story ID: | 125635 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 48 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, SPAWAR holds Fourth Annual 5K for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, by Tina Stillions, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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