NATIONAL GUARD April 2024

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CHALLENGE

REDUCING RISK

It is important to remember that 

men are also victims of sexual 

assault. The Men’s Sexual Assault 

Prevention and Response 

Campaign provides support and 

understanding for male Service 

members who experienced this 

crime. Check out the resources and 

ongoing discussions at: https://www.

sapr.mil/mens-sapr-campaign.

PREVENT. REPORT. ADVOCATE.

STEP FORWARD

CONTACT US

For more information on sexual assault prevention and response or other wellness 

topics, email us at: ng.ncr.ngb.mbx.integrated-prevention-branch@army.mil.

CHALLENGE your Service members and yourself to adopt at 

least one of the recommended resources to prevent and respond 

to sexual assault.

FACTS & FIGURES: DID YOU KNOW?

• Over half of women and almost one in three men have experienced sexual 

violence.1

• One in four women and one in 26 men have experienced an attempted or 

completed rape.1

• Prior victimization is the highest risk factor for future victimization.

• Protective factors, like a strong support system and healthy relationships, 

can help mitigate harm.

DOD SAFE HELPLINE 

Sexual assault is a crime of 

opportunity, with perpetrators often 

manipulating potential victims or 

capitalizing on vulnerable moments 

and is most often committed by 

someone the victim knows. There are 

things you can do to safely remove 

yourself from an uncomfortable or 

risky situation.1

• Sexual assault is never the 

victim’s fault. Only the perpetrator 

is responsible for their actions.

• Go with your gut. You are not 

obligated to do anything you do 

not want to do, even if you know 

the person. Trust your instincts. 

• Escape is paramount. It is ok to 

make up an excuse – “I have to 

leave, or my car will be towed” 

– even if it is not true to escape a 

high-risk situation.

• Bystander intervention. If you 

see someone in an unsafe situation 

utilize the 3D’s of Bystander 

Intervention. Address the 

perpetrator Directly - “You need 

to stop.” Distract the perpetrator 

“Someone is coming.” Delegate

the intervention to others. Ask a 

battle buddy to remove either 

person from the situation. 
The contents of this document are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

REFERENCES:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fast Facts: Preventing Sexual Violence. 

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/fastfact.html

RESOURCES TO RECOMMEND

NG’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) personnel are available 24/7 to provide guidance, support, and 

advocacy. www.nationalguard.mil/Leadership/Joint-Staff/J-1/SAPR/ 

DoD’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) offers resources to prevent sexual assault in the military 

and facilitate recovery for survivors. www.sapr.mil

DoD’s Safe Helpline offers anonymous, confidential support 24/7 to Service members affected by sexual assault. Help is 

available via phone, individual chat, group chat, mobile app, and local responders. www.safehelpline.org 

VA has resources for Service members who experienced “military sexual trauma” which is an assault or harassment 

during military service. www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/military-sexual-trauma/ 

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization providing help for 

survivors and education for the public. www.rainn.org 

National Sexual Violence Resource Center provides research and tools to advocates working to end sexual harassment, 

assault, and abuse. www.nsvrc.org

SPOTLIGHT: BUDDY AID

• A program that prepares Service members to render immediate and effective support after a disclosure of sexual assault.

• The training utilizes operational language consistent with other threats to destigmatize the conversation around sexual assault. 

• This language supports readiness and retention as more victims recognize the operating environment is safe to disclose, get help, 

and report sexual assault.

• For more information, email: ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mbx.ngb-sapro@army.mil. 

What does it mean?

• Sexual assault refers to sexual contact or sexual behaviors that occur without the 

explicit consent of the victim.

Why does it matter?

• Sexual assault impacts everyone. It jeopardizes mission readiness and unit cohesion 

by creating an unsafe environment that permits harmful behaviors.

What can you do? 

• Model and promote healthy relationships based on respect and equality. 

• Create a culture of trust that welcomes open and honest dialogue.

• Understand that consent should be clearly and freely communicated. 

• Develop a strong support system that can help facilitate a safe exit from an 

uncomfortable or scary situation. 

• Become an active bystander by interrupting inappropriate sexual behavior.

• Speak up if someone jokes about sexual assault or makes victim blaming statements. 

Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. 

• Establish an environment that promotes help-seeking behaviors to combat the underreporting of this crime.

• Learn about the different reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted) under DoD 

policy and available services by contacting your local National Guard Sexual Assault 

Prevention and Response personnel.

• Support survivors and encourage engagement with resources to foster healing and 

prevent future victimization.

PREVENTING ASSAULT & SUPPORTING SURVIVORS

The National Guard (NG) had the 

highest percentage response 

rate for the 2023 Defense 

Organizational Climate Survey 

(DEOCS) of all the Services.

Findings are being incorporated 

into state-level Comprehensive 

Integrated Primary Prevention 

plans that will guide activities to 

protect NG members from harm, 

like sexual assault. 

DEOCS RESPONSE RATE

April is Sexual Assault Awareness 

and Prevention Month. The 

2024 theme is “STEP FORWARD. 

Prevent. Report. Advocate.” 

Everyone has a role to play in 

fighting the crime of sexual assault. 

Learn what you can do at: https://

www.sapr.mil/saapm.

SEXUAL ASSAULT 

AWARENESS 

PREVENTION MONTH