According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexual violence, or trauma, is a significant problem in the United States. Sexual violence refers to sexual activity when consent is not obtained or not given freely. Anyone can experience it, but most victims are female. The person responsible for the violence is typically male and usually someone known to the victim.
The person can be, but is not limited to, a friend, intimate partner, coworker, neighbor, or family member.
Sexual Assault Prevention

According to the Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 6495.01, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program, sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of victim.
Programs and Resources
A Message from Lt. Gen. Ron Place, Defense Health Agency Director
You also may be interested in...
Video
4/27/2022
Lt. Gen. Ron Place, DHA Director, talks about the importance of speaking up against sexual assault and his zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual assault in DHA workplaces and our hospitals and clinics.
Recommended Content:
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month | Sexual Trauma
Article Around MHS
4/18/2022
Joining the military was an intense, transformational experience filled with rites of passage, experiences designed to prepare me to act as a member of a team and conform so I could truly commit to something bigger than myself. One unexpected and devastating experience during my initial training changed me forever.
Recommended Content:
Sexual Trauma | Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Article
4/14/2022
A special medical exam, called a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination, SAFE, is available to survivors of sexual violence preserves lasting evidence that may aid in the prosecution of a perpetrator of sexual assault.
Recommended Content:
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month | Sexual Trauma
Infographic
4/8/2022
All members of the military community deserve to work and live in a respectful, inclusive environment while serving our nation. Anyone can experience sexual assault or hazing that crosses the line. It takes courage for anyone to report sexual assault. Learn more at the DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office Men’s SAPR Campaign site: https://www.sapr.mil/mens-sapr-campaign
#SAAPM #SexualAssault #PreventAssault #TreatmentCanHelp #StepForward
Recommended Content:
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month | Sexual Trauma
Infographic
4/8/2022
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This month, members of the military community are encouraged to enact the 2022 SAAPM theme: STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate. This is a call to action for individuals at all levels of the DOD to use their personal strength to advance positive change in preventing and reporting sexual violence. We ask that you join us in taking a #StepForward by highlighting acts that bolster prevention, increase reporting, and promote advocacy for a safer DOD community. #SAAPM #SexualAssault #PreventAssault #TreatmentCanHelp #StepForward
https://www.sapr.mil/
Recommended Content:
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month | Sexual Trauma
Infographic
4/8/2022
If you have experienced sexual assault, help is available. Contact the DOD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247 to receive anonymous and confidential support and obtain information on your reporting options. #SAAPM #SexualAssault #PreventAssault #StepForward https://safehelpline.org/
Recommended Content:
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month | Sexual Trauma
Infographic
4/8/2022
It takes courage for anyone to report a sexual assault. Be there to help someone and you can make a real difference.
www.Safehelpline.org, 877-995-5247
#SAAPM #SexualAssault #PreventAssault #TreatmentCanHelp #StepForward
Recommended Content:
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month | Sexual Trauma
Article Around MHS
4/7/2022
As the Army once again recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, its policy and processes for working through sexual harassment and sexual assault within its workforce are evolving to reflect lessons learned during the past 10 years
Recommended Content:
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month | Sexual Trauma
Video
6/23/2021
Staff Sgt. Brittany Johnson spent years reliving memories of her sexual assault. By seeking care, Staff Sgt. Johnson learned what triggered her and how to cope when memories resurfaced. Hear how Staff Sgt. Johnson turned a traumatic event into an opportunity to share her story and help others.
Recommended Content:
Sexual Trauma | Real Warriors Campaign
Video
6/23/2021
Staff Sgt. Brittany Johnson spent years reliving memories of her sexual assault. By seeking care, Staff Sgt. Johnson learned what triggered her and how to cope when memories resurfaced. Hear how Staff Sgt. Johnson turned a traumatic event into an opportunity to share her story and help others.
Recommended Content:
Psychological Fitness | Sexual Trauma | Real Warriors Campaign
Article
9/25/2020
Remaining on guard against sexual harassment/assault despite pandemic.
Recommended Content:
Coronavirus | Sexual Trauma
Policy
This directive implements DoD policy and assign responsibilities for the SAPR Program on prevention, response, and oversight to sexual assault.
- Identification #: DoD Directive Number 6495.02
- Date: 7/7/2015
- Type: Instructions
- Topics:
Sexual Trauma
Showing results 1 - 13
Page 1 of 1