COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime joins the Defense Department in recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. The theme this year is “STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate.”
In 2023, the DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office introduced Phase 1 of the STEP FORWARD campaign to increase awareness of sexual assault and resources to enhance response. This year, in Phase 2 of the campaign, DOD strives to change harmful behaviors, provide support to victims of sexual assault, and encourage sexual assault prevention initiatives year-round.
DLA Land and Maritime’s observation kicks off April 3 with a static display in front of the Operations Center Auditorium with information regarding the SAPR program and local resources available, and a video message from DLA Land and Maritime Commander Army Brig. Gen. Gail Atkins and Deputy Commander Kenneth Watson.
Throughout the month, events and activities will give all Defense Supply Center Columbus associates the opportunity to show support for sexual assault survivors and learn how to prevent and report these crimes.
“We are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that all DLA teammates can live and work free from fear of abuse, assault and harassment,” said Shari Murnahan, DLA Land and Maritime’s sexual assault response coordinator.
DLA Land and Maritime 2024 SAAPM events:
Teal Tuesdays
Teal is known nationally as the color for sexual assault awareness and prevention and teal ribbons are a recognized symbol of support for sexual assault survivors. Associates can show support for survivors of sexual assault by wearing teal clothing, accessories or ribbons each Tuesday during the month of April. Share a photo with Murnahan at shari.murnahan@dla.mil to be entered into a drawing for a special SAAPM swag bag. Four winners will be drawn, and prizes will be awarded at the end of the month.
SAAPM 5K
On April 11, at 2:30 p.m. a SAAPM 5K will be held at the DSCC MWR Fitness Center. Runners and walkers are welcome, and a one-mile option is also available. Medals will be awarded to the top finishers. To register, click here.
Sip and Paint
A Sip (Tea) and Paint event will be held on April 17 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the DSCC Byus Community Center, as DLA's Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Program and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Family Services Program join forces to educate the defense federal community and provide resource materials on sexual violence and child abuse prevention topics. To register, click here.
SAAPM Scavenger Hunt
During the week of April 24, be on the lookout for SAAPM themed items throughout the installation. More details to follow via Command Daily Announcements & Message of the Day.
For more information regarding sexual assault or harassment and reporting options contact Murnahan at 614-692-8846, visit the DLA SAPR website or call the DLA SAPR 24/7 hotline at 1-800-841-0937.