Every April, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) highlights how sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual abuse impact every person in the community. SAAPM is recognized by both civilian and military communities. By raising public awareness, SAAPM aims to educate communities on ways to prevent sexual violence.

The Department of Defense’s (DoD) theme for 2024 SAAPM is: STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate. 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.

This month and beyond, leadership challenges all Marines, attached service members, and civilians to examine their social fitness as the first step in honoring this theme and answering its call to action.

What is Social Fitness?

Social fitness includes building and maintaining healthy, positive relationships, and it aids in the prevention of sexual assault by enhancing emotional health, improving communication skills, and increasing feelings of connectedness.

To strengthen social fitness:

• Engage with positive people in your community. Share experiences with friends and family who understand the challenges and stress faced by service members. Find social activities or hobbies to enjoy together.
• Avoid behaviors that have negative effects on overall health and well-being. Using tobacco, drinking alcohol, or gambling may temporarily relieve stress or sustain relationships, but it can be habit-forming.
• Cultivate positive relationships at work, home, and in the community. Treat fellow Marines and others with respect and kindness.

To boost your communication and relationship skills, check out Marine Corps Family Team Building's Real Relationships course. Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC) and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates (VA) can also recommend additional Marine Corps resources.

Marines are encouraged to join installation prevention efforts by attending locally or virtually scheduled events throughout the 2024 SAAPM. Please contact your SARC or SAPR VA for a list of SAAPM events or to help organize an event. For more information on SAPR, visit usmc-mccs.org/SAPR.

The Department of Defense Recognizes April 2024 as Annual Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month