SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Sexual assaults and child abuse are deplorable crimes that bring shame to the military community.
During proclamation signings for both Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention months, in the Main Post Conference Room, here, March 30, Col. Douglas Mulbury, commander, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, addressed how these crimes have both an immediate and long-lasting impact on victims and the Army's mission readiness.
"These crimes deprive victims of dignity and respect," he said to the standing room only crowd. "Not only are they against the law, they go against what it means to be a Solider and to serve."
The proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month, or CAPM, with its theme of "It's no secret … everyone can help. Keep Army children safe and healthy," encourages community support and participation.
The truth is, child abuse happens and has a profound effect on its victims. It affects the child, the family, the Soldier, the community and the mission.
Child abuse must stop.
The second proclamation designates April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, or SAAM, throughout USAG-HI. The signing is aligned with the Department of the Army's "I A.M. Strong" prevention campaign, and supports the month's theme, "Achieving cultural change through dignity and respect. I am the force behind the fight."
Following the reading of both proclamations, Mulbury signed both proclamations and reaffirmed the installation's awareness, support and prevention of child abuse and sexual assaults.
Following up on last year's successful use of CAPM quilts in building awareness, this year's ceremony included an unveiling of the SAAM quilt handmade by ACS volunteer Ana Despault.
The quilt, made of denim and decorated by community members, honors survivors of sexual assault.
Depault also created the CAPM, which was decorated by military keiki.
Family Advocacy Program
Call the FAP at 655-0669 to learn how you can help prevent child abuse and sexual assaults. To report a sexual assault, call the 24/7 Safeline hotline at 624-SAFE (7233).
Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month Activities
•"PT in the Gym:" 6:30-7:30 a.m., April 24, Fort Shafter Gym.
•Blue Mondays: Wear blue every Monday in April to support CAPM.
•Denim Fridays: Wear denim every Friday in April to support SAAM.
•Food Drive: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., April 16, Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter commissaries.
•Teddy Bear Drive: Drop off gently used stuffed animals at any Army Child Development Center. The big event is 10 a.m.-2 p.m., April 14, Pearlridge Mall.
•25th ID SAAM Toiletry Drive: April 16-20, ACS, Building 2091, Schofield Barracks,
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