Navy Region Singapore will join commands across the Navy this April in recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, highlighting this year's theme of "Eliminate sexual assault: know your part, do your part."

SAAPM is an annual, national campaign designed to reinforce public awareness about sexual assault, while educating individuals and communities on methods for preventing sexual violence.

"Preventing sexual assault is a 365 day a year commitment," said NRS Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Ann Wilson. "The month of April, SAAPM, is about national recognition; about rededicating ourselves to the prevention of sexual assault. It's about building a foundation of awareness from which a continuous movement can develop."

NRS is scheduled to initiate SAAPM with a kick-off event, March 31, at Cafe Lah from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The kick off will feature multiple activities including a proclamation signing; a T-shirt design contest that allows commands, groups and individuals to raise awareness of SAAPM while competing for prizes; and a pledge signing where NRS community members can declare their commitment to ending sexual assault.

Other SAAPM events being held during the month of April include victim advocate training, scheduled to be conducted April 4-8. NRS will also participate in Denim Day, April 27. Wearing jeans on this day has become an international symbol of unity against erroneous and destructive attitudes regarding sexual assault, focused on dispelling the notion that victims share the blame with the perpetrator.

All of these events are designed to actively engage the NRS community in the effort to eliminate sexual assault.

"We are seeking the communities' support, participation, and, above all, their commitment," said NRS Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Civilian Victim Advocate Sapna Lahiff. "Sexual assault awareness and prevention is a community effort that is only as strong as the level of participation and involvement that we dedicate to it."

For more information visit the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office website at http://www.sapr.mil/

For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit http://www.navy.mil/.