Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM)

SAAPM is recognized in April by both civilian and military communities. The DoD observes SAAPM by focusing on creating the appropriate culture to eliminate sexual assault and requiring a personal commitment from all Service members.

We all have a role in preventing sexual assault and localizing SAAPM activities is a great way to extend this message.

2022-2025 CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

"STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate."

DoD SAPRO is pleased to announce the 2025 Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month theme will continue to be “STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate.” The STEP FORWARD campaign is a call to action for all individuals to use their personal and collective strength to advance meaningful change in preventing and responding to sexual violence.

In 2023, SAPRO introduced Phase 1 of the STEP FORWARD campaign to increase awareness of sexual assault and resources to enhance response. As Phase 2 launches in 2024, we strive to change harmful behaviors, provide support to victims of sexual assault, and encourage sexual assault prevention initiatives year-round. We ask that you join us in taking a STEP FORWARD by highlighting acts that bolster prevention, increase reporting, and promote advocacy for a safer DoD community.

SAAPM Brand & Style Guide

Profile picture frame to be used on Facebook and Instagram during SAAPM.

Teal SAAPM ribbon to be integrated into all social media posts for Facebook and Twitter. Additional guidance in the Brand & Style Guide

Letterhead for SAAPM communications
SAAPM Brand Style Guide Profile picture frame to be used on Facebook and Instagram during SAAPM. Teal SAAPM ribbon to be integrated into all social media posts for Facebook and Twitter. Additional guidance in the Brand & Style Guide Letterhead for SAAPM communications

2019-2021 CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

"Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission"

The 2019-2021 SAAPM theme is “Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission.”

Together, we can work to further reduce, with the goal to eliminate, sexual assault from the armed forces. Our military is the most trusted institution in America and our Service members have signed a blank check to the American people, payable with their lives. This crime must not threaten those who have volunteered to serve.

Your staff can find additional ideas on SPARX Connection, a prevention community of practice. If you have any questions or ideas to share, please contact the DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office at whs.mc-alex.wso.mbx.SAPRO@mail.mil.

2018 CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

"Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission"

The 2018 SAAPM Theme is, "Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission."

Since 2012, the Department's annual reports on sexual assault in the military have reported regular declines in the prevalence rates of sexual assault among the force. We can do more to build a culture that will not tolerate sexual assault. Together, we can work to further reduce, with the goal to eliminate, sexual assault from the armed forces. Our military is the most trusted institution in America and our Service members have signed a blank check to the American people, payable with their lives. This crime must not threaten those who have volunteered to serve.

Your staff can find additional ideas on SAPR Connect, our online prevention community of practice. If you have any questions or ideas to share, please email the OSD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office​.

       

2017 CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

"Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission"

The 2017 SAAPM Theme is, "Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission."

This theme offers numerous opportunities to deliver messages that relate to both the individual and unit level. Each Service member -- regardless of grade -- can encourage behaviors that foster a climate of dignity and respect, and in doing so, help ensure our readiness to complete the Department's mission. The attached Field Guidance offers messaging and initiatives by echelon of what could be implemented during April and beyond to support victims and advance prevention.

Your staff can find additional ideas on SAPR Connect, our online prevention community of practice. If you have any questions or ideas to share, please email the SAPRO SAAPM POC, Ms. Josephine Montoya.

2016 CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

"Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know Your Part. Do Your Part."

The 2016 Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) theme provides recommendations on what we all can do:

  • Eliminate Sexual Assault: Every Service member, at every level in our military, must know, understand, and adhere to Service values and standards of behavior in order to eliminate sexual assault, and other inappropriate behavior.
  • Know Your Part: Each member of our DoD community has a unique role in preventing and responding to sexual assault. We must recognize our part in stopping this crime starting with our own awareness and knowing when and where to intervene.
  • Do Your Part: We have to act. If we see a crime or inappropriate behavior unfolding, we need to step in to prevent it. We each need to add our voice to the call to end this crime.

SAPRO's SAAPM materials have been designed to support installation and unit sexual assault prevention and education efforts during the April national awareness and prevention campaign. These downloads contain material that can be reproduced and distributed to support local SAAPM campaigns. Materials include: