CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// 
ROUTINE 
R 281944Z APR 23 MID600052989012U 
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
TO ALNAV 
INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
CNO WASHINGTON DC 
CMC WASHINGTON DC 
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UNCLAS 
 
ALNAV 036/23 
 
MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/APR// 
 
SUBJ/SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH// 
 
REF/A/ALNAV/SECNAV/141945ZDEC22// 
AMPN/REF A IS ALL NAVY MESSAGE 084/22 OUTLINING RECENT POLICY CHANGES 
IMPROVING VICTIM RESPONSE.// 
 
RMKS/1.  During the month of April, the Department of the Navy (DON) observed 
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). 
 
2.  This year's campaign theme was Drawing Connections:  Prevention Demands 
Equity.  As this month comes to a close, it is incumbent on all of us in the 
DON to continue to affect change in ourselves and on the systems surrounding 
us to build a safe and inclusive environment.  Doing so advances one of my 
enduring priorities for the DON - to build a culture of warfighting 
excellence, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect; lives up to 
our values of honor, courage, and commitment; and thrives in their 
service.  Eliminating sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other harmful 
behaviors that corrode readiness is a top priority.  During SAAPM and every 
month, we work together to promote trust, foster healthy climates, and stop 
behaviors that counter our values at their onset. 
 
3.  Promoting trust in military leadership and the military system remains 
foundational to both prevention and response efforts.  We've taken steps in 
the right direction; however, effectively addressing sexual violence requires 
systematic changes and engaged leaders to build healthy command climates.  We 
must continue to implement reform with urgency to rebuild institutional 
trust, increase accountability for sexual violence, and set the conditions 
for equity, respect, and inclusion across the DON. 
 
4.  Sexual assault is a crime that erodes cohesion and undermines warfighting 
readiness.  Leaders at all levels must model the right behavior, step forward 
and be active bystanders in preventing sexual assault.  They must know the 
warning signs that increase the risk of sexual assault within a 
command:  sexual harassment, gender discrimination, lack of responsibility 
and intervention, workplace hostility, lack of respect, and poor unit 
cohesion.  Intervene early and look out for your teammates.  Do not overlook 
any form of these behaviors because they are often the foundation for other 
forms of harm.  Change is only possible when we all do our part. 
 
5.  The presence of sexual violence may indicate that other harmful behaviors 
are present in a unit.  Where individuals perpetrate sexual violence, there 
is more likely to be misogyny, racism, and various forms of discrimination 
related to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of 
identity.  Building and maintaining environments that foster psychological 
(emotional) safety and belonging is critical to protecting team members at 
increased risk for multiple forms of harm. 
 
6.  We must continue to familiarize ourselves and our teammates with updated 
accountability and victim response measures implemented in the past year, as 
summarized in reference (a). 
 
7.  The DON strongly condemns any form of sexual harassment, sexual assault, 
and cyber harassment.  We stand in solidarity with survivors and are 
committed to creating a culture where sexual harassment and assault are not 
tolerated. 
 
8.  For those who do experience sexual assault, we stand ready to support 
you.  The sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) program provides 
eligible sexual assault victims the opportunity to formally report these 
crimes and receive supportive services.  Our SAPR victim advocates and sexual 
assault response coordinators are also able to provide resources and 
confidential reporting options. 
 
9.  Confidential assistance is also available 24/7 from the Department of 
Defense Safe Helpline at (877) 995-5247 or https://www.safehelpline.org/. 
Civilian employees can receive assistance 24/7 from the Department of the 
Navy Civilian Employee Assistance Program at (844) 366-2327. 
 
10.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// 
 
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CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//