Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes and Fleet and Family Support Center Great Lakes held a Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) event featuring a student artwork contest to raise awareness, April 12.

Held at the Epicenter, the event featured bowling, pizza, movies, and various other activities, including a poster competition from each of the command's ships focused on the SAAPM theme "Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission." TSC leadership was present to judge the contest awarding Fire Controlman Technician Seaman Lunavega Cristina Marie, from the USS North Carolina, with the most creative design.

"Sexual assault still remains one of the most under-reported violent crimes," said Capt. Mark Meskimen, commanding officer of TSC. "Even though we have made significant progress we need to keep vigilant to root out this heinous crime, there is no place for this in our Navy. This event is a testament to the training that is re-enforced here each and every day. The posters and the messages, along with the presentations lend hope that these Sailors get it."

Multiple formal Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training events are held throughout the year. Although this event is held in a more relaxed environment does not take away from the importance of the subject matter.

"We provide incoming students with initial training during indoctrination and quite of bit of training to both staff and students periodically at TSC," said Navy Military Training Instructor Chief Fire Controlman Technician Philip Jordan, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response command liaison for TSC. "This event is a good reminder for the staff and students that SAPR awareness is a priority here at TSC."

One message Jordan would like students to learn is that the Navy is one big team.

"It may be difficult at times for students to realize that the chain of command is here to provide them with the tools and resources they require to carry out their mission; including support for addressing SAPR," he said. "We need to ensure that all of our shipmates understand that sexual assault and other destructive behaviors erode and undermine our team. We cannot be effective in mission readiness if team mates don't trust each other."

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