Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessica Tukes | NAVAL BASE KITSAP-BREMERTON (March 31, 2020) Capt. Richard Rhinehart, commanding...... read more read more
Capt. Richard Rhinehart, commanding officer of Naval Base Kitsap, signed the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation on March 31.
Rhinehart partnered with Sharlyne Hays, a sexual assault response coordinator for NBK, to kick off SAAPM, which began April 1. SAAPM is observed annually across the Department of Defense to focus on creating the appropriate culture to eliminate sexual assault and requiring a personal commitment from all service members at every level.
Rhinehart expressed the significance of SAAPM and the Navy’s dedication to its members’ protection.
“Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is an important reminder of some of the harmful behaviors like sexual assault that are sadly still present in our force,” he said. “It is a symbol of our continued commitment in ensuring our Navy is a safe place for all of our warfighters.”
Hays, who has served as a SARC for NBK since 2005, explained that the proclamation signing also serves as a reminder that SAAPM is a time to raise awareness about sexual assault prevention.
“SAAPM is recognized not only within the Department of Defense, but throughout our civilian communities as an opportunity to raise awareness about how to prevent sexual violence in our communities,” said Hays. “It also helps reduce re-victimization and encourages healing for survivors of sexual assault.”
In the late 1980s, the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCASA) informally polled state sexual assault coalitions to determine a preferred date for a national Sexual Assault Awareness week. A week in April was selected. By the late 1990s, many advocates began coordinating various activities and events throughout the month of April which sparked the idea of a nationally recognized month. Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month was first observed nationally in April 2001. In 2009, President Obama became the first U.S. president to proclaim April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
The Department of Defense is continuing its drumbeat with the SAAPM theme, “Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission.” Navy’s 2021 call to action remains: “Respect. Protect. Empower.”
Naval Base Kitsap serves as the host command for the Navy’s fleet throughout the Pacific Northwest, providing exceptional installation services, programs, and facilities to meet the needs of its hosted war-fighting commands, tenant activities, and personnel – all of whom deserve the best there is to offer 24/7.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 04.05.2021 15:00 |
| Story ID: | 393052 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 63 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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