STEP FORWARD: Coast Guard Marks Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

This April, the Coast Guard recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), a time to reaffirm our collective commitment to eliminating sexual assault and fostering a culture of respect and trust. The theme for 2026, "STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate.," serves as a powerful call to action for every member of our community. 

The Coast Guard has proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Coast Guard leadership, underscoring that sexual assault is an "intolerable violent crime which impacts mission readiness" and an "affront to the core values we support and defend." The proclamation calls on all personnel and their families to join in the effort to prevent sexual assault, thereby strengthening our military and civilian communities. 

STEP FORWARD: Prevent 

Prevention is an "all-hands" responsibility. The theme encourages every person to speak out and act when witnessing acts of violence. A key component of prevention is active bystander intervention. If a situation seems unsafe, you can be: 

• Direct: Step in and address the situation directly. 

• Distract: De-escalate by creating a diversion. 

• Delegate: Get help from others, like a SARC, command leadership, or law enforcement. 

To equip personnel with these critical skills, the service is rolling out mandatory, in-person Bystander Intervention Training (BIT). This three-hour, interactive course uses thought-provoking scenarios to teach participants how to intervene safely and effectively. 

STEP FORWARD: Report 

Ensuring survivors know their options is crucial for building trust and providing support. The Coast Guard’s Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery (SAPRR) program offers several avenues for support: 

• Unrestricted Report: An official report that initiates a law enforcement investigation and provides access to full command support, including protective orders. 

• Restricted Report: A confidential report made to a SARC, Victim Advocate, or medical personnel. This allows a survivor to receive medical care and support without triggering an official investigation or notifying their command. 

• Confidential Support: Individuals can speak with a SARC or Victim Advocate to understand their options and available resources without making any report at all. 

STEP FORWARD: Advocate 

The Coast Guard is continuously working to improve how we advocate for and support survivors. SAPRR professionals are available to provide confidential, trauma-informed care, advocating for a survivor's needs and guiding them through the medical, legal, and recovery processes. 

Recent policy improvements designed to better protect and empower survivors include: 

• Safe-to-Report Policy: Protects victims and reporting witnesses from penalties for minor collateral misconduct. 

• Expedited Transfers: Allows for the quick relocation of a survivor to ensure their safety. 

• CATCH a Serial Offender Program: A system that confidentially and anonymously helps identify repeat offenders. 

• Additional Support Policies: The establishment of Survivor Leave and Weight Abeyance policies, clarification of the "Confide in Another" rule, and the creation of the Office of the Chief Prosecutor all centralize and strengthen how the service handles these cases. 

A Call to Leaders and Units 

Leaders at every level are charged with fostering a command climate built on trust and respect. This means taking every report seriously, guaranteeing non-retaliation, and normalizing the conversation about sexual assault prevention year-round. 

Unit Commanders are encouraged to keep this conversation going. Units should also contact their local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) to participate in SAAPM events and schedule Bystander Intervention Training. 

Thank you for your commitment to this vital mission. Your actions set the standard and ensure our service remains a safe and respectful environment for all.