National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign to raise public awareness and educate communities on the prevention of sexual violence. As a public health, human rights and social justice issue, sexual violence affects many and has secondary and tertiary effects on society. During the month of April, state, territory, tribal and community-based organizations, rape crisis centers, government agencies, businesses and campuses recognize SAAM through planned events and activities to reinforce prevention efforts.

• The Department of the Army's SAAM observance is in its eighth year and continues to convey the Army's commitment to achieve cultural change by eradicating sexual assault and sexual harassment through its prevention, investigation, prosecution and survivor support/protection efforts.

• Agencies and organizations throughout the Army will plan and execute appropriate commemorative activities to celebrate Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

• The Army's 2012 SAAM proclamation and theme Achieving Cultural Change through Dignity and Respect is designed to strengthen leaderships commitment at all levels and reinforce the importance of respect and dignity.

• The Army has significantly raised awareness about sexual harassment and sexual assault through the proliferation of required training in all units, in primary military education courses, and among first responders.

• The Army will continue to aggressively address sexual harassment and sexual assault issues by focusing on increasing capabilities in the areas of prevention, investigation, prosecution and survivor support/protection.

Senior Army Leaders consider the sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention strategy an integral part of the Profession of Arms doctrine. These principles are based on ethical beliefs, the capacities of self-command, empathy and morale pride. Professional Soldiers must be immersed in the environment and culture of the profession of arms early in their careers. One of the Army's prevention initiatives is to focus on achieving cultural change to eliminate sexual assault and sexual harassment from the ranks. Indoctrinating new recruits and first-term Soldiers on prevention of sexual assault will lead to a collective and committed team across the force. In addition, leaders at all echelons are required to take responsibility, be motivated to act, overcome their fears to intervene and establish an environment free from sexual harassment and sexual assault.

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Joint Forces Headquarters National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington