ALCOAST 085/26 - APR 2026 SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH (SAAPM)

R 011247Z APR 26   MID320018617028U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 085/26
SSIC 1754
SUBJ: SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH (SAAPM)
1. April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM).
The 2026 SAAPM theme is "STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate."
This theme emphasizes individual responsibility and collective
action towards preventing sexual assault, supporting survivors,
and fostering an operational environment upholding the Coast Guard's
Core Values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. These values
form the foundation of Service readiness and accountability.
Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) are directed to use
the STEP FORWARD logo for digital and print media found at this
location:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.sapr.mil/saapm

to maximize the effectiveness of the campaign. Coast Guard personnel
are encouraged to consider what "STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report.
Advocate." means to them.
2. SARCs will report all SAAPM activities and related event
participation numbers within their AOR to the Workforce and
Family Service Center (WFSC) no later than 15 May 2026.
3. Primary prevention training is one component of SAAPM.
Units co-located with a SARC, Victim Advocate Program Specialist
(VAPS), or specially-trained Volunteer Victim Advocate (VVA) may
consider utilizing in-person SAPRR Bystander Intervention Training
(BIT) as one element of a comprehensive SAAPM messaging campaign.
SAPRR BIT is a three-hour interactive educational experience that
teaches participants how to intervene safely on another's behalf
using scenarios as thought-provoking exercises. Units not co-located
with a SARC should reach out to their SARC to schedule training.
Commands are encouraged to think about prevention throughout the
year, and CG BIT training as an ongoing opportunity. SARCs will
report training data to the WFSC. The WFSC will compile and share
these figures with the SAPRR Oversight and Policy Office and
senior leadership to demonstrate the extensive work and commitment
to sexual assault prevention expressed by field personnel in support
of SAAPM and throughout the year. SAPRR BIT training numbers are due
30 SEP 2026.
4. SARCs will conduct a call down drill for each location that
offers a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) within their AOR. SARCs
will leverage VAPSs and VVAs within their AOR to ensure that all
known SAFE locations, and any new SAFE locations are verified or
newly documented. This will be accomplished by either visiting,
calling, or emailing, in order to develop a relationship with those
facility personnel. SARCs, VAPSs and VVAs will then update the SAFE
Everywhere spreadsheet with the information they derived to ensure
that there is up-to-date information for each SAFE location.
5. Unit Commanders are encouraged to use SAPRR Talking Points not
only throughout SAAPM, but throughout the entire year. They are
located in the SAPRR Toolkit
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/TestToolkit/Shared%20Documents/
Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FTestToolkit%2FShared%20Documents%2
FGeneral%2FSAAPM%202026&viewid=97ea2cdb%2Dbd53%2D4b22%2Db85d%2D75901
649ce29

6. Units are encouraged to contact their local SARC for all SAAPM
related events. The SARC directory is available at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for
-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Sexual-
Assault-Prevention-Response-and-Recovery-Program/SAPRR-Contacts/

For all general questions regarding SAAPM, CG BIT, and the SAPRR
program, contact the WFSC SAPRR Services Manager,
Mr. Derrick Campbell, at derrick.s.campbell@uscg.mil or the SAPRR
Specialist, Ms. Megan Lee, at megan.j.lee@uscg.mil.
7. Additional events and observances will be announced as SAAPM 2026
progresses.
8. RDML Shane C. Steiner, Acting Assistant Commandant, Workforce
and Family Services (CG-WFS), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.