As part of continuing efforts to bring sexual assault prevention and awareness to the forefront of Sailors' minds, crew members of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) conducted a "Beyond the Call" Walk Against Sexual Assault at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, April 13.

In a show of unity and support, Sailors and their families assembled for a 1.5 mile walk around the lake at Mount Trashmore, where participants wore teal t-shirts and ribbons made by the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) team onboard.

"The idea was to conduct the walk in a public arena to open the conversation to a wider audience," explained Chief Quartermaster Michael Townsend, the command SAPR representative and event coordinator.

More than 100 Sailors and family members attended the event.

The "Beyond the Call" Walk Against Sexual Assault was the pinnacle event for Gonzalez's participation in Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). In keeping with the theme of SAAPM, "Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission," Gonzalez began the month with an all hands call held by Cmdr. Les Sobol, Gonzalez commanding officer, who encouraged Sailors to take the SAPR pledge to "never commit, condone or remain silent about sexual assault."

"People tend to feel comfortable talking about drunk driving, smoking and other destructive behaviors," said Sobol. "The goal of this walk and this month is to normalize the discussion of sexual assault and help Sailors feel comfortable talking about this issue.

"If we shine a light on the problem, we create an environment where people feel comfortable coming forward in the event that something happens, but also we create an environment that does not tolerate sexual assault in any form."

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