JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Joint Base Charleston leadership signed a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month April 4 in the Headquarters Conference Room here.

SAAPM is observed across the Department of Defense annually to focus on creating an appropriate culture and eliminating sexual assault through a personal commitment from all service members at every level.

“Our goal is to continue to raise awareness about sexual assault and remind our community that no matter how many trainings you have, sexual assault is real and it happens on our installation,” Dr. Mamie Futrell, SAPR Victim Advocate specialist.  “One sexual assault is too many. We all need to come together, take this crime seriously, stand up to prevent it from happening and support victims who are impacted by it.”

Throughout the month, themed, “Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission,” the Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Office is hosting various events and visiting units across the installation to raise awareness. They also plan to collect donations for the local domestic violence shelter.

“April is a time for us to come together and be on the prevention forefront versus responding to it,” said Futrell. “Recognizing this is a societal issue, the Department of Defense is taking a stance. This is not just for April; we want to do this all year long.”

The JB Charleston Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program provides a 24-hour sexual assault hotline. The phone line is staffed by volunteer victim advocates who have completed a 40-hour certification course. They assist the SAPR office by helping victims of sexual assault understand all of their options for reporting and treatment. 

“VVAs are called upon 24/7 when we receive a report of sexual assault. They are assigned to victims and provide support services throughout the life of their case. Being a VVA is a very emotional role and it requires a special individual to support those impacted by sexual assault.”

Victims of sexual assault have two reporting options, unrestricted and restricted. Unrestricted reports are reported to law enforcement and are investigated, while restricted reports are kept confidential.

Anyone in immediate danger should call 911. To report a sexual assault, call the report a sexual assault, call the 24/7 Air Base SAPR Hotline at 843-963-7272, the Weapons Station 24/7 SAPR hotline at 843-478-8615 or the toll-free DOD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247. For more information on the Air Base, call 843-963-7880 or 843-963-7881. To reach or visit the Naval Weapons Station Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SAPRJBCWS.