UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 291433Z MAR 19 FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 024/19 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/MAR// SUBJ/SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH// RMKS/1. April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and will be recognized throughout the Department of the Navy. This year’s theme is Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission. 2. The Department of the Navy is committed to a culture of dignity and respect, where the crime of sexual assault is never tolerated, victims have access to comprehensive support, and offenders are held appropriately accountable. 3. Sailors, Marines, and civilians, at every level of leadership, are personally responsible for demonstrating professional and ethical behavior in all settings, and at all times - while on duty, at home, and online. Every occurrence of sexual assault has a profound personal impact on victims, and it erodes trust and unit cohesion. This is a readiness issue. As leaders, you are responsible for setting and enforcing an environment that is non - permissive to these destructive and demoralizing behaviors. 4. Our fundamental duty is to support and protect each other from harm. Our resolve to eliminate sexual assault must be sustained and undiminished. I expect you to set a visible standard for the nation. 5. Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is an annual reminder of our core values and our enduring commitment to one another that applies all year. I encourage you to organize and participate in local and regional events. Together, we can eliminate this crime. 6. If you are a victim of sexual assault, I encourage you to seek support. Your local Victim Advocate, Uniformed Victim Advocate, or Sexual Assault Response Coordinator are excellent initial points of contact. In addition, confidential assistance is available anywhere 24/7 from the Department of Defenses Safe Helpline toll-free at (877) 995-5247 or by chat at www.SafeHelpline.org. Civilian employees may also receive confidential assistance 24/7 from the Department of the Navy Civilian Employee Assistance Program at (844) 366-2327. 7. Released by the Honorable Richard V. Spencer, Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//