DoD Recognizes Commitment to Prevent Sexual Assault

By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2014 - The Defense Department today honored exceptional groups and individuals from each military component who contributed an innovative idea or approach to positively impact sexual assault prevention and response programs.

The Sexual Assault Prevention Innovation Award recognizes service members and DoD civilians whose work in support of service members has been particularly noteworthy.

Individuals, organizations deserving of recognition

"The 2014 Prevention Innovation awardees deserve recognition for the impact they have made in their military environment by making a personal commitment to eliminate sexual assault," said Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Snow, director of the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office.

"Earlier this year," Snow said, "Secretary Hagel provided a road map for the delivery of consistent and effective prevention strategies. These SAPR personnel are leading the way with innovative ways to incorporate core values and shape the environment in which service members live and work."

The 2014 Sexual Assault Prevention Innovation Award awardees are:

-- Air Force Maj. Daniel Giannavola and Air Force 1st Lt. Poonsak Kajonpong, 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea;

-- Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Debra Blankenbaker, 7th Civil Support Command, U.S. Army, Europe;

-- The Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

-- Navy civilian Tina Carter, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Wallops Island, Virginia;

-- The California Military Department Sexual Assault Review Board, Sacramento, California; and

-- The Coast Guard's Sexual Assault Prevention Council Washington, D.C.

DoD's sexual assault prevention strategy

The sexual assault prevention strategy directs a comprehensive prevention approach across the department. It focuses on training all personnel to intervene in incidents of sexual harassment and assault, and the development of healthy relationship skills through leadership mentoring and role-modeling.

It stresses commanders' renewed attention to healthy command climates, and deterrence and accountability for conduct inconsistent with military values. SAPR personnel encourage all service members to be steadfast participants in creating and sustaining an appropriate culture.

Prevention Innovation awardees developed and delivered targeted initiatives that affected the knowledge, skills and attitudes of service members to uphold standards of behavior and military core values.

The awards are presented by their respective commands in conjunction with October's Crime Prevention Month.