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JBPHH leaders proclaim April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexander Martinez
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Sexual Assault Awareness Month officially kicked off with a proclamation signing ceremony at the Hickam Memorial Theater April 1.

The ceremony was jointly hosted by Col. Johnny Roscoe, 15th Wing commander, and Capt. Mark Manfredi, chief of staff, Navy Region Hawaii, who shared their thoughts and highlighted the theme for this year's SAAM: "Live Our Values: Step Up and Stop Sexual Assault."

"When we step up to solve the crime of assault, it may not be the same as confronting a gunman, but sexual assault is life threatening too and it certainly has a long and significant impact on the victims," Manfredi said.

Roscoe noted the need to stay active in the effort to combat sexual assault.

"We recognize April as [SAAM] because it's at the forefront of our minds, but this is an enduring conversation; sexual assault prevention is an every-day effort," Roscoe said.

Roscoe also thanked the attendees of the event, praising their willingness to learn more about the issue of sexual assault prevention.

"Our focus has to be on the people who came here on their own because you are the ones who are going to foster and strengthen the climate," Roscoe said.

The event's keynote speaker, Anne Munch, a nationally acclaimed prosecutor and sexual assault expert, discussed various sexual assault issues with the audience during her presentation.

For more information on SAAM and the many events going on this month, contact the SAPR office at 448-3192.