From the Homefront: You never have to face this alone
Sexual assault is not an easy topic. We never talk about it. I know I am afraid to bring it up because I don’t want to scare anyone or intrude on their privacy. But we really need to face it.
Our Duty to People: Building a culture of respect
Each year, the Coast Guard joins in the national recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Over the past several years, we have developed a deeper understanding of what it means to stand up to sexual assault and say, “Not in my Coast Guard!”
The Paratus Report, Episode 7
The newest episode of the Coast Guard Paratus Report is now live! The Paratus Report is a workforce news program focused at keeping Coast Guard members informed of what’s happening throughout their Coast Guard. The episode will air monthly on the official Coast Guard YouTube channel, and a brief recap with additional information will be provided right here on Coast Guard All Hands.
Retaliation: Not in my Coast Guard
This morning, Human Rights Watch released a report titled “Embattled: Retaliation Against Sexual Assault Survivors in the US Military.” The report contains findings based on Human Rights Watch’s independent research into retaliation against sexual assault victims and includes a number of recommendations to Congress and the military on ways we can better protect reporting victims.
From the Commandant: Not in my Coast Guard
The demands of our missions require a level of trust and respect that is violated by this terrible crime. With utmost vigilance we stand the watch, from combating transnational organized crime to fighting terrorism, to stopping human trafficking. Our duty to people demands we project this same vigilance in preventing and responding to sexual assault. We have made great strides, but we are not done yet.
Sexual assault is a crime, not a punch line
On Wednesday night, Comedy Central aired the season premiere of a show called Workaholics. The show featured a storyline in which a group of characters meant to be Coast Guard recruiters were depicted in a vile hazing incident which included both an illegal criminal act of sexual assault and the involvement of a dog. The show went on to include a scene in which these same characters agreed to take part in a pornographic movie.
From the Commandant: Our Core Values are conditions of service
Sexual assault is a crime. Sexual assault is inconsistent with our Core Values and degrades mission readiness. Sexual assault is abhorrent to our Service culture.
After 36 years of service, VADM Manson K. Brown retires from active duty
Vice Admiral Brown’s strategic vision translated the Year of the Coast Guard Family into a program of sustained focus under the Family Campaign Plan. The reinvigorated effort improved family housing, access to family services abd innovative support programs. As the Coast Guard Executive Agent for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Vice Admiral Brown concpetualized and implemented a robust campaign to eliminate sexual assault in the Coast Guard. In close coordination with the White House and the Department of Defense, he guided an Executive Council to identify concerns and improve sexual assault prevention and response policies.
This is Our Way
As a ship captain I always enjoyed going up to the bridge to check in with the watchstanders, to scan the horizon and check our progress on the charted course. The State of the Coast Guard Address gives me a similar privilege as Commandant, and yesterday I delivered my fourth and final annual Address in the recently dedicated CDR Raymond J. “Ray” Evans Conference Center in the new Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building.
Sexual harassment or sexual assault? Do you know the difference?
Leadership and the prevention of sexual assault and sexual harassment are inextricably connected. As leaders, we need to not only assess our command climate, we need to assess how well we are helping our shipmates understand what is and is not acceptable behavior and the connections between sexual harassment and sexual assault. Both sexual assault and sexual harassment are incompatible with our Core Values and service in the Coast Guard. Offenders can and should expect serious consequences if they decide to engage in either behavior.
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