WASHINGTON -- Violence against women and girls was the topic of discussion during the Army Air Operations Group, U.S. Army Military District of Washington hosting of the 2013 White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) at Fort Lesley J. McNair, April 23.
The WRC was created in 1991 by several men on the second anniversary of one man's massacre of 14 women in Montreal, Canada. According to its literature, it has become the world's largest effort of men working to end men's violence against women.
This year the program shifted to include violence against both men and women.
The AAOG/MDW Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention/Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SHARP) invited all Joint Base Myer -- Henderson Hall tenants to enjoy a lunch while learning about the WRC and signing a commitment to end sexual assault, harassment, and domestic violence.
After signing their pledge, participants were asked to wear their white ribbon throughout the work day to show their support of ending domestic violence.
"We want to support the cause throughout the command and try to raise awareness of the various types of assault and harassments that can occur both personally and professionally," said Col. William McGarrity, AAOG commander.
"Sexual assault and violence has been on the rise in the military," said Felicia Hunter, AAOG/MDW SARC. "This campaign will hopefully show the community that this subject may not be often openly talked about, but is ongoing in and around the military. We hope that this program will lead to a decrease of assault and violence in the Army."
One of the main themes the campaign stresses is silence is compliance and to encourage anyone that is a part of, or witness to an assault or harassment to contact their installation SARC immediately.
The campaign collected approximately 175 signatures.
For more information about both the White Ribbon Campaign and the Army's Sexual Assault Prevention program please visit the following links: http://www.whiteribbon.ca/ , http://www.sexualassault.army.mil/
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