1. A product of...
Navy Office of Information
www.navy.mil
April 25, 2012
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARNESS MONTH—Week 4
"The end of April does not mark the end of our effort to raise sexual assault awareness. We must
build upon the momentum we have generated this month and move forward together, as one team, to develop a resilient
and ready force that is intolerant of sexual assault."
– Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mark Ferguson
Sexual assault prevention is an important element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative,
which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness,
build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department of the Navy (DoN). DoN is
working aggressively to prevent sexual assaults, to support sexual assault victims, and to hold offenders accountable.
We Will Not Tolerate Sexual Assault
• Sexual assault is my problem, your problem, our problem.
• Navy is executing a multi-faceted approach to awareness, prevention, victim response and offender accountability.
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is only the first phase of a larger, focused initiative to help foster command
climates where reporting sexual assault is embraced.
Alcohol Awareness
• Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) supports enhanced fleet, family and personal readiness through
aggressive alcohol abuse and drug use prevention.
• The Who Will Stand My Watch campaign focuses on a Sailor's personal responsibility and the impact on their unit
and their shipmates when a Sailor is removed from duty as a result of a substance abuse incident.
Victim Support
• NAVADMIN 132/12 allows Sailors who have filed an unrestricted report to request an expedited transfer from their
unit. Commanders must approve or recommend disapproval of the request within 72 hours.
Legal Support
• If a victim files an unrestricted report of sexual assault against another service member: NCIS will investigate , the
alleged offender's commander will consult with a prosecutor at the Region Legal Service Office (RLSO) to determine
if a court-martial is appropriate, and the victim is consulted and notified about the disposition as appropriate.
• Victims and witnesses have the right to be treated with fairness and respect and to be reasonably protected from the
offender. Victims of sexual assault have rights under the Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP).
• The accused is always considered innocent until proven guilty regardless of whether the charges are referred to a
general, special or summary court-martial, or NJP.
• The FY12 NDAA amended Art. 120 (Rape, Sexual Assault and other Sexual Offenses) in the UCMJ. The changes
clarify sexual assault offenses and address constitutional concerns raised by the courts.
SAAM Weeks Three and Four Highlights
• Naval Air Station Whidbey Island held a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) leadership summit to raise
awareness and encourage a supportive command response to victims of sexual assault.
• Submarine Force Pacific will fly a 10’ x 18’ teal ribbon-adorned flag on the Submarine Escape Training Tower at
Submarine Base Pearl Harbor.
Key Messages Facts & Figures
• Join the conversation to raise awareness: #SAAM • Across the Department of Defense, of the 791 service
• #Tweetaboutit Tuesdays, 2 p.m. EST w/ @NSVRC members who could be disciplined for sexual assault,
• The most powerful force behind preventing sexual 62% had courts-martial charges preferred, 24%
assault is YOU. received nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 of
• This is a marathon, not a sprint, to eliminate sexual the Uniform Code of Military Justice and 14% received
assault from our Navy. a discharge or other adverse admin action.