R 052131Z FEB 16
MARADMIN 060/16
MSGID/GENADMIN CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MF//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS OBSERVANCE OF APRIL 2016 SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH//
POC/C.HEIT/UNIT: MFB/-/TEL: 703-784-4941/EMAIL: CHRISTINE.HEIT(AT)USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Purpose.  To announce the Department of Defense (DOD) and Marine Corps observance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) in April 2016.
2.  Background.  April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.  In April 2016, the DOD will mark its 12th annual observance of SAAPM with the ongoing theme “Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know your part.  Do your part.”  This theme emphasizes that every Service member has a role in upholding our core values, regardless of grade or occupational specialty.
3.  SAAPM is an opportunity to highlight Marine Corps Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) progress thus far and ensure that our momentum continues.  Since the April 2015 SAAPM, the SAPR Program has marked several significant achievements, including a transition to the third and final phase of the Commandant of the Marine Corps SAPR Campaign Plan.  However, the Marine Corps recognizes that progress is not victory and that we must continue our fight against sexual assault.
4.  The Marine Corps remains committed to the elimination of this crime from our ranks, and individual Marines are doing their part to reach this goal.  Our leaders are working diligently to set command climates that are non-permissive of sexual assault, that encourage reporting, and that are retaliation-free.  Our commanders, Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs), SAPR Victim Advocates (VAs), medical providers, counselors, and Victims’ Legal Counsel are providing responsive, sensitive, and timely support for victims of sexual assault.  Our investigative agencies and judge advocates are ensuring each unrestricted and independent report of sexual assault properly advances through the military justice process.  Most notably, Marines of all ranks and occupational specialties are taking action to step up and step in to prevent sexual assault and retaliation against those who report.
5.  Marines are encouraged to show their commitment to the SAPR Program by supporting locally scheduled events during the 2016 SAAPM.  Please see your SARC or SAPR VA for a list of SAAPM events in your area or to help organize an event.
6.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
7.  This MARADMIN is cancelled 1 May 2016.
8.  Release authorized by MajGen B. W. Whitman, Director, Marine and Family Programs Division.//