In an effort to increase awareness about sexual assault, the Navy has designated April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story sexual assault response coordinator has organized several events to promote and foster a culturally aware and informed Navy, respectful of all and intolerant of sexual assault.

One event the JEBLC-FS Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention and Response team hosted was "Will you step up to STOP sexual assault?" presentation, April 12.

The guest speakers were Joy Wright and Ray Leonard Jr., who is the son of former professional boxer "Sugar" Ray Leonard.

Leonard alluded to the fact there was a secret that his father was keeping from the family, which explained some of his destructive behavior.

The Leonard family found out about "Sugar" Ray's sexual abuse as a child by a youth coach, which helped explain some of the effects of sexual assault.

Wright, who is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, experienced sexual assault of her own as a midshipman, she said. She talked about a personal experience where bystander intervention was successful.

Wright and Leonard gave training tips on active intervention for Sailors attending to take back to their command.

Sailors were told to use the acronym S.T.O.P., which stands for size up the situation (notice the event), take action, offer support, and prevent.

"Ninety-three percent of people want to do the right thing," said Wright. "It's human nature though, to not do anything."

Leonard made the connection between training for a fight and bystander intervention.

Leonard explained, in boxing, when you work out you are training your body to perform a certain way from memory. This muscle memory is important when you're disoriented during a fight. You don't think, you just act, said Leonard. Just like a coach trains a boxer to fight, Sailors should train those around them to respond to sexual assault.

Some of those in attendance knew this training could benefit Sailors in many ways.

"The people who are here are here because they care and want this information," said Navy Career Counselor 1st Class Kathryn Morris, a SAPR representative for Explosive Ordnance Diving Mobile Unit 2. "I believe that you'll never completely eliminate the problem, but being there and learning the best way to prevent and assist victims: You'll have the tools to work through it."

The training was interactive and Sailors were invited to ask questions, make comments, and brainstorm about how to handle difficult situations.

At the end of the presentation, those in attendance were left with a simple thought from Leonard.

"Do something," said Leonard. "Then from there you can take the next step and figure it out. Even the toughest among us can be affected by sexual assault."

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. For more information, visit www.sapr.mil/

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit www.navy.mil/