JBAB hosts Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation signing

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C.  –   JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C. – The Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program cohosted the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation signing and bowling tournament with JBAB First Sergeants on March 31 at the Potomac Lanes Bowling Center on JBAB.
 
April 2022 marks the 21st anniversary of the awareness month being recognized by both military and civilian communities in the United States. The month’s purpose is to raise awareness and facilitate the prevention of sexual assault, harassment and abuse. The origins of the month can be traced back to the important social movements and dialogues during the 1970s. In 2001, the U.S. first nationally recognized April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and more recently prevention was added to the title. 
 
The Department of Defense has themed this year’s observance as “Step Forward, Prevent, Report, Advocate.”
 
All of team JBAB and people in the National Capital Region with base access are encouraged and welcome to participate in the following events: the SAAPM 5K run/walk event on April 22 beginning at 7 a.m. in front of the aerobics center and the JBAB SAPR office open house on April 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
Dogs and strollers are permitted during the 5K. Participants with dogs or strollers are asked to start at the back to allow for a smooth takeoff.
 
The open house is an opportunity for all of JBAB to engage directly with the SAPR team and learn more about the resources and support available to them. The SAPR office is located on the 2nd floor of Bldg. 4 at 220 Brookley Ave. There will be discussion on awareness and interactive activities to participate in. The building is ADA accessible with a ramp and elevator on the left side of the building.
 
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program is a key DOD resource geared toward enabling those impacted by sexual assault to step forward and get the help they need, and to educate military and civilian members of the DOD to create a culture of safety and respect.
While DOD recognizes SAAPM in April, awareness, prevention and advocacy for victims and survivors is a year-round endeavor, often tagged on social media platforms as #NOTJUSTAPRIL.
 
“The impact of sexual violence is far reaching,” said Amy Nowak, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and SAPR Program Manager at JBAB and the National Capital Region. “Sexual violence impacts everyone, not just women but men and children. Also not just the survivor, but their parents, friends, children, spouses/partners and coworkers.” 
 
Because sexual violence can impact everyone, anyone can confidentially access the JBAB offices for support and resource referral information. Reporting and advocacy services are available to all military members, dependents 18 years and older and DOD civilians. 
 
Military members and their dependents have two reporting options.
 
An unrestricted report allows victims to receive medical treatment, advocacy services and legal support. As part of this option, DOD law enforcement initiates an investigation and their chain-of-command is notified. They may also be eligible for protections, including a Military Protective Order and/or a civilian protective order, as well as an Expedited Transfer to another installation.
 
A restricted report allows victims to receive legal advice, and medical and advocacy services, but does not trigger an investigation. Information will be provided to command that does not reveal the victim’s identity, nor that of the alleged offender. Only these professionals can accept a restricted report: Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, SAPR Victim Advocate and healthcare providers.
 
Victims who have filed a restricted report may also anonymously disclose suspect information to the Catch a Serial Offender Program to identify repeat offenders. If other reports about the same suspect are identified in CATCH, victims can decide to change their report from restricted to unrestricted to participate in a criminal investigation of the suspect.
 
Regardless of the type of what type of report a victim may choose to file, the JBAB SAPR team can connect them to the helping resources to which they are entitled to, such as medical and mental health support.
 
For more information about resources and reporting options please visit the SAPR program website:  www.SAPR.mil. For localized JBAB and NCR information, visit SAPR (jb.mil).
 
The purpose of SAAPM and the mission of the SAPR team to create a culture of dignity and respect for victims of sexual assault, harassment and abuse, as well as also improving awareness and prevention of these acts. The DOD has a zero tolerance policy for such violations against its members. 

Please see the SAAPM event information to find ways to show solidarity with the SAPR Program mission:







To Register for the April 6 National Discussion on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment included on the calendar below, click here

For a better look at the calendar and to follow its linked items, click it to open an enlarged version in a new window!