ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Leadership from throughout the APG community came together Tuesday, March 30, to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month observances within the installation.
SAAPM is recognized in April by both civilian and military communities.
The ceremony, and placement of teal ribbons outside the APG North (Aberdeen) Route 22 entrance, was organized by the APG SHARP Resource Center. SHARP stands for Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention.
During the ceremony, held Tuesday at the Corvias Community Center, APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Mitchell Kilgo said there is zero tolerance for sexual assault in the Army. Speaking on the Army’s “people first” focus, he said this must include a sense of trust and care within each other.
“When our families in the United States give to us their sons and daughters, our job is to ensure that they come into a culture and a climate free from sexual harassment and sexual assault,” he said.
After Kilgo’s remarks, leaders from commands and organizations across the installation signed a proclamation recognizing April as SAAPM and reaffirming the installation’s commitment to the SHARP Resource Center’s efforts to teach the community how rape and sexual assault negatively impact’s the Army’s readiness.
After leaders signed the proclamation, they placed teal ribbons on the posts of the building. The teal ribbon serves as the symbol for sexual violence prevention.
Following the ceremony, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and Victim Advocates from across the installation placed the ribbons on trees outside the Route 22 gate.
This year’s SAAPM theme is “Building Cohesive Teams through Character, Trust and Resilience: Protecting Our People Protects our Mission.” Christopher Scott, a SARC at the APG SHARP Resource Center, said the theme builds on the concepts of shaping Army culture, organizational climate and individual responsibility to create an environment of mutual trust that promotes personal and unit readiness, and prevents and mitigates misconduct.
“It is our duty and responsibility to build cohesive teams by fostering a culture of trust, so our Soldiers are more motivated to seek our guidance,” he said.
Installation SARC Shariese Demby said individuals in communities can stop sexual assault before it happens by changing behaviors and promoting respect.
“The history of SAAPM has shown us that no matter what, those who work to end sexual assault and abuse will always find ways to advocate for awareness and prevention,” she said. “Looking forward, we can be sure that SAAPM will continue to grow and adapt, reaching even more audiences with a message that a world free of sexual assault and abuse is possible.”
This year was the third year APG hosted a SAAPM kickoff and teal ribbon ceremony.
Future events
Future SAAPM events across APG include:
- Teal Tuesdays: A recurring event each Tuesday in April, in which the APG community is encouraged to wear teal clothing and post photos of themselves on social media using the hashtag, #APGTealTuesdays. Photos may be reposted on the APG SRC Facebook page.
- The annual APG SHARP Summit will be a virtual event held on Tuesday, April 27. Its purpose is to increase the knowledge, understanding and skill sets of leaders across the installation.
- APG’s annual Denim Day will be a virtual event taking place all day Wednesday, April 28. APG employees are encouraged to wear denim that day to educate the community that there is no excuse for sexual assault. Pictures shared on social media using the hashtag, #APGDenimDay may be reposted on the APG SRC Facebook page.
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