BAGHDAD – In order to raise awareness of sexual assault and to send a clear message that sexual assault will not be tolerated, Soldiers of 16th Engineer Brigade took part in a 2-mile walk Feb. 12 sponsored by U.S. Division - Central and U.S. Forces - Iraq on Camp Victory.
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) walk provided an opportunity to educate and raise awareness about sexual assault through brochures, skits and discussions at various teaching points along the route.
Lt. Col. Jane Lengel, the equal opportunity advisor for 16th, said the SAPR program works to eliminate incidents of sexual assault.
“The program focuses on education, prevention, integrating victim support and rapid reporting,” Lengel said. |
Many Soldiers are unaware of the consequences and residual effects of sexual assault, she said. Progress has been made recently in increasing awareness of sexual assault as a criminal offense.
“Their presence will help bring awareness, and that’s a start,” said Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Verna Henderson.
According to Henderson, more than 50 percent of the unit signed up to participate in the walk.
“The purpose of the walk is to increase knowledge and raise awareness of sexual assault,” she said. “We would like this to serve as an empowerment tool to ensure that all service members and civilians are educated about sexual assault prevention and response.” |
