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DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. – National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month kicked off April 7 at the Detroit Arsenal with an event that emphasized the importance of building connections and a culture of respect.
“We need to make sure that we have a renewed need and focus for creating and maintaining a safe environment, for every person of our team here at the Detroit Arsenal,” said Michael B. Lalor, commanding general of U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command.
Observed every April, SAAPM is designed to raise awareness, foster a sense of trust and provide support to survivors of sexual harassment and assault. The Detroit Arsenal and U.S. Army installations around the world are holding special events throughout the month, from panel discussions to run/walks.
The Army’s theme for SAAPM 2025 is “STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate.”
“This isn’t just a slogan,” Lalor said. “It’s a call for action.”
During the kickoff event in the Building 200 auditorium, Lalor, Deputy to the Commander Brian Butler and Command Sgt. Maj. Kofie Primus signed a proclamation reaffirming the command’s commitment to eliminating sexual violence and empowering survivors and their families. Attendees watched a short video that illustrated the common barriers that might prevent people from intervening in a sexual assault.
At the front of the stage sat pairs of shoes painted teal, the color associated with sexual assault awareness. People are encouraged to wear teal clothing on Tuesdays in April.
Lalor said there is a critical link between a respectful workplace and overall readiness. He stressed that assault and harassment won’t be tolerated.
“To be clear, sexual harassment and sexual assault are simply not administrative issues,” he said. “They are readiness issues. …”
“A team operating under the shadow of harassment or assault is a team that definitely operates below its potential. When individuals feel unsafe or unsupported, their focus shifts from mission accomplishment to self-preservation, and that diminishes our collective effectiveness and directly impacts our ability to support the warfighters in the field.”
Lalor said all leaders and team members have a responsibility to ensure that anti-harassment policies are actively enforced and visibly supported.
“We are here, as a team, to foster a culture of consent, where clear communication, mutual agreement and respect are the standard for all interactions,” he said.
Parker Peterson, TACOM’s lead sexual assault response coordinator, said fostering connections and cohesion among teammates has been shown to reduce instances of inappropriate behavior.
He explained the history of “Jeep ducking,” a trend that involves Jeep owners placing rubber ducks on other peoples’ Jeeps as a way of spreading happiness and joy. It was started by a Canadian woman in 2020 and went viral on social media, with people in at least 54 countries participating.
A table set up just outside of the auditorium entrance was covered with teal shirt pins and fliers about SAAPM activities and resources. There were also paper teal ducks, with blank spaces for people to write down personal pledges for increasing connection or positive messages to their colleagues.
“If teal rubber ducks can go viral around the world, paper teal ducks can go viral around DTA – but only if you make a personal commitment to connection with others,” Peterson said. “Remember, building connections tears down sexual harassment and assault.”
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