ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month kicked off at APG with an event to raise awareness and promote action at the Mallette Training Facility April 1.
The annual event began with Communications-Electronics Command Commanding General and APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV pinning teal badges on security guard David Mejias, police officer Daniel Turner, police officer and canine handler Gerald Anghag, and military working dog Max. The color teal signifies support for sexual harassment and assault survivors. All officers will wear these badges for the remainder of the month to demonstrate their support and commitment to SAAPM.
The Army’s 2026 SAAPM theme is “STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate.”
“It is a reminder to actively participate, to stand up against sexual assault, and to foster a supportive and positive community. This theme sends a powerful message of taking proactive action,” said Jody Jackson, master of ceremonies, and the Equal Employment Opportunity director for U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command.
2026 marks the 25th anniversary of SAAPM. Officially established in 2001, SAAPM’s purpose is to raise awareness and facilitate the prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse.
“Even though April has been designated as SAAPM, we ask that all leaders continue to support the fight against sexual assault every day throughout the year,” Jackson said.
Turinetti thanked those who participated, noting that the event coincided with the senior leader’s luncheon, which was held after the ceremony.
“By prioritizing this event, it sends a clear message of the significance of this cause to our workforce, and this ceremony is a clear and public declaration of APG, signifying that our police force and our entire leadership stand in solidarity against sexual assault and harassment,” he said.
Turinetti said sexual harassment and assault are a strike at the Army’s core values and are a direct threat to readiness.
“A formation cannot be strong, focused, or mission capable when even one member feels unsafe or unsupportive,” he said.
Following Turinetti’s remarks, Installation Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program Manager Tracy Marshall and SHARP Prevention Specialist April Marinakes led a briefing for commanders and directors and introduced APG sexual assault response coordinators. After the briefing, APG senior leaders signed a proclamation in support of SAAPM. The event also featured a resource fair, featuring community organizations dedicated to making a difference.
Resources and upcoming events
To learn more about the SHARP program and resources, visit https://aberdeen.armymwr.com/programs/sexual-assault-prevention-and-response-program-sharp.
Throughout April, several SAAPM events will be held for participants to earn their annual SHARP training credit, including Teal Table Talk, a small-group discussion on topics such as bystander intervention, consent, and survivor support, held at the Fusion Directorate in Bldg. 4305, second floor on April 16 at 10 a.m.
On April 9 and 23, the documentary “Stories That Move Us” and a short discussion about the film will be held at the APG Post Theater from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
April 29 is the annual SHARP Spoken Word event featuring original poetry performances from members of the APG community. The event, held at the APG Post Theater at 10 a.m., will provide attendees with the opportunity to connect, share their stories, and support one another. This event is also held in conjunction with Denim Day, which encourages people to wear denim as a symbol of protest against victim-blaming and to raise awareness about sexual violence.
For more photos, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720332887366/
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