SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH (SAAPM)
SAAPM is recognized in April by both civilian and military communities. The Department observes SAAPM by focusing on creating the appropriate environment 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.
 
 Teal ribbon for sexual assault awareness and prevention month  
2026 - 2022 CAMPAIGN MATERIALS
 

“STEP FORWARD. PREVENT. REPORT. ADVOCATE.”

 

SAPRO is pleased to announce the 2026 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.

Phase 1 of the STEP FORWARD campaign is to increase awareness of sexual assault and resources to enhance response. Phase 2 strives to change harmful behaviors, provide support to victims of sexual assault, and encourage sexual assault prevention initiatives year-round. Join SAPRO in taking a STEP FORWARD by highlighting acts that bolster prevention, increase reporting, and promote advocacy for a safer military community.
 
     
           
  Profile Picture Frame for Social Media   Teal SAAPM Ribbon for Social Media   Letterhead for SAAPM Communications
           
 
2021-2017 CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

"PROTECTING OUR PEOPLE PROTECTS OUR MISSION"
 

The Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission theme offered messages for 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 readiness to complete the Department's mission. 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. This crime must not threaten those who have volunteered to serve.

Materials:  
2016 CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

"ELIMINATE SEXUAL ASSAULT: KNOW YOUR PART. DO YOUR PART"
 

The 2016 SAAPM theme provided recommendations in three categories: 

1. 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.

2. Know Your Part: Each member of the military 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.

3. 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.

Materials: