SPAWAR Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month with 5k Walk/Run

Photo By Rick Naystatt | Rear Adm. Chuck Rainey, Vice Commander, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command addresses runners prior to the start of a 5-kilometer run in support of the Navy’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In addition to the 5K run event, SPAWAR worked with Fleet and Family Services Center San Diego to host SAPR General Military Training, provide resource tables and hand out informational materials. As the Navy's Information Dominance Systems Command, SPAWAR provides the tactical networks, space systems, and C4ISR assets and services to enable the critical command, control and coordination required by fleet operators. (U.S. Navy photo by Rick Naystatt)  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

04.27.2011

Story by Kara McDermott 

Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR)

SAN DIEGO - In support of the Navy’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command hosted a 5-kilometer race to raise sexual assault awareness on their campus April 27.

Dozens of runners and walkers attended the race to show their support by wearing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response pins. The event kicked off with an address from SPAWAR’s Vice Commander, Rear Adm. Chuck Rainey.

“DoD and Navy have Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Programs to help accomplish our goal, but it really comes down to an all hands awareness and effort to eliminate this crime from our service and communities,” said Rainey. “I ask each of you for your help with this.”

In addition to the 5K run event, SPAWAR supports Sexual Assault Awareness Month by hosting the annual SAPR General Military Training, providing resource tables to hand out informational materials and participating in the Clothesline Project- a nationally recognized awareness event that honors survivors as well as victims of intimate violence. Each piece of clothing created is a silent exhibit and self-expression of the violence affecting our military community.

“Events like these help to bring this issue into the spotlight. Everyday at least one of our Navy shipmates becomes a victim of sexual assault,” said SPAWAR Command Master Chief Octavia Harris. “Sailors must look out for each other and intervene if something is not right in a situation. If something does happen, it’s important to know what to do and who to go to.”

Commands worldwide have planned and hosted events throughout the month of April that emphasize a climate that values responsible behavior, active bystander intervention and safety from sexual assault.

• Date Taken: 04.27.2011
• Date Posted: 04.27.2011 21:50
• Story ID: 69454
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US