PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which affords military and civilian leaders an opportunity to raise awareness and promote the prevention of sexual violence.
This annual emphasis highlights Department of Defense and Service policies addressing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response covered in Department of Defense Directive 6495.01 and Department of Defense Instruction 6495.02.
It is essential to create an environment in which sexual assault and the attitudes that allow it to occur are not tolerated. Commanders, supervisors and leaders employed by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center must take action to eliminate risk factors for sexual assault from all work areas, living quarters and recreation facilities throughout the command in accordance with DOD guidelines and DLIFLC Policy Letter 11 (Commander's Policy on Sexual Assault).
Where prevention fails, commanders and leaders need to ensure victims have access to prompt, professional and compassionate care. All victims of sexual assault should be treated with dignity, fairness and respect, and be assured that they can report sexual assault and receive the care and support that they need without fear of retribution or intimidation.
Sexual assault degrades mission readiness by impacting the victim as well as others who are directly or indirectly involved. To ensure that our force is mentally and physically fit, all faculty, staff and students have a responsibility to help prevent sexual assault from occurring and report any and all incidents.
I am committed to ensuring that DLIFLC is free from all forms of unlawful harassment and assault. Everyone is entitled to work in a professional environment where their personal dignity and individuality is respected. Any infringement of these rights cannot, and will not, be tolerated. Offenders will be held accountable for their actions.
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