DVIDS – News – WBAMC Celebrates Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM)

FORT BLISS, Texas – Throughout April, William Beaumont Army Medical Center observed SAAPM through a series of events that raised awareness and education about the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program.

The first event that took place was the signing of a SAAPM proclamation where hospital leaders came to sign their proclamations and designate the month of April as SAAPM.

Every Tuesday was declared Teal Tuesday and employees, including military personnel, were allowed to wear teal shirts in support of SAAPM. The purpose was to raise awareness and start a conversation with people who were unaware of the SAAPM and its importance.

From April 15-18, the SHARP team partnered with the Beaumont Female Mentorship Program for the “Painting Jeans” event, in honor of the national holiday known as Denim Day. Employees were able to express themselves about the SHARP program by painting jeans with words like “No means no.” The jeans were later displayed at the hospital for staff and patients to admire.

On April 18th and 19th there was a challenge room on the sixth floor of the main hospital. Participants were given clues and answer questions to help them pick locks on a mannequin. Questions ranged from what their SHARP representatives knew about different reporting methods to victims’ rights.

The PEAK your SHARP awareness hike was held in McKelligon Canyon on April 19, where participants learned about the impact sexual assault/harassment can have not only on the victim, but also on the unit. This was accomplished by dividing participants into teams and each team making multiple stops along the route with one throw. At each stop, teams were challenged with a SHARP scenario and items were placed on top of their trash, making it heavier. Soon, the teams returned to their starting point, gave their answers about what they would do in each scenario, and reduced their weight on the throw. This physical event was challenging but educational and entertaining for participants.

Other events included information tables, a fun run and a scavenger hunt. Each event was designed to educate attendees about the SHARP program, including reporting methods, available resources, differences between different reports, and getting to know the people who are part of the SHARP team.

The month concluded with a teal WBAMC photo, where staff met in front of the hospital and positioned themselves to create a teal ribbon in honor of SAAPM in April.

When asked about the importance of SAAPM, Mr. Daniel A. Jones, WBAMC Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, replied: “For raising awareness so that people know that sexual assault/harassment occurs, the impact it has on people and what resources they need to help them.” ”

Lt. Col. Daniel W. Winnie, commander of the WBAMC Medical Readiness Battalion, wanted to deliver a command message to the community about the importance of SAAPM. “In the Army, our strength lies in our people, and together we can eradicate the toxic culture of sexual assault. Sexual Assault and Awareness Prevention Month (SAAPM) allows us to carry forward our Army values ​​and establish a culture of respect, trust and responsibility.”