The aircraft carrier USS George Washington's (CVN 73) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) team hosted a Denim Day walk to raise awareness of the effects of sexual assault April 26.

National Denim Day is a campaign to promote sexual assault awareness through education and public awareness. The first Denim Day was in 1999 after an 18-year-old in Italy was raped by her driving instructor. She won her case, but it was later overturned because the courts believed her jeans were too tight for the perpetrator to remove without the young woman's help.

The George Washington SAPR team lined the fence of the softball field with teal balloons and music blared from speakers to create a welcoming environment for those in attendance. Participants walked along the seawall on Norfolk Naval Station and then enjoyed cake and fruit punch afterward.

"We worked with Norfolk Naval Station and the Denim Day association to host an event that would raise awareness on a day dedicated to sexual assault awareness and education," said Lt. Lyndsay Cirino, SAPR point of contact. "I'm excited that people from the command took time out of their schedules to show support to our team and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month."

In 2015, there were 5,240 service members who reported a sexual assault according to the DOD Annual Report on sexual assaults in the military. That's an average of 14 service members a day. These numbers only reflect the assaults that were reported.

"Our goal was to raise awareness to as many Sailors as we could," said Cirino. "We want Sailors to know that help is out there, we care and resources are available."

For those in attendance, it was an opportunity to be a part of something that has a profound impact on our Navy culture.

"I wanted to show support for the cause and represent my department," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Nicholas Miller, walk participant. "It was nice to have a change of scenery and walk along the seawall. A lot of people came together to support such an important cause that affects so many people every day."

SAPR organizes events such as this to raise awareness and keep Sailors informed on ways to prevent sexual assault. SAPR works to promote professionalism, respect and trust using focused education, comprehensive response and compassionate advocacy while preserving Navy mission readiness.

For more information about sexual assault resources, visit SAPR.navy.mil. To report a sexual assault, contact a SAPR victim advocate. Advocates' information is located on the GW homepage.

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