R 281923Z MAR 14

ALCOAST 135/14
COMDTNOTE 1000
SUBJ: SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
1. Shipmates, each year in April we observe National Sexual Assault
Awareness Month (SAAM).  The goal of SAAM is to raise awareness about
sexual violence and to educate individuals and communities on how to
prevent sexual assault.
2. SAAM is only part of our broad, aggressive campaign to eliminate
sexual assault from the Coast Guard.  Over the past year, we have
made progress in our efforts to eliminate this behavior, care for the
survivors of this crime, and hold sexual predators accountable.  I
made a commitment to the President and Congress.  I made a commitment
to you and to the American people. We will eliminate sexual assault
from our Coast Guard.
3. Remember, there are no bystanders in the Coast Guard.  Our duty to
respect our shipmates demands each of us have the courage to take
immediate action to prevent or stop sexual assault from happening,
whether at work or on liberty.  If you become aware of an actual or
suspected incident of sexual assault, your duty as a Coast Guardsman
is to intervene, prevent or halt it, and report it. Failure to help a
shipmate in those circumstances demonstrates a lack of courage that
is contrary to our core values.  I expect every Coast Guardsman will
display the same courage in those circumstances as they would in
rescuing someone in peril at sea.
4. As Coast Guardsmen, we live by high standards of conduct and
continuous devotion to duty.  These are more than just words.  Living
by these standards and performing our duty requires personal
commitment and courage.  This is our way.  Our shipmates deserve
nothing less.
5. I am directing a 3-hour SAAM stand-down by all Coast Guard units
during the month of April.  Deputy Commandant for Mission Support
will provide additional guidance on this stand-down and other SAAM
activities in subsequent message traffic.
6. Semper Paratus.
7. Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant, sends.
8. Internet release authorized.