April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This year’s theme is: “we own it… we’ll solve it… together.” Preventing sexual assault is still everyone’s duty. These words illustrate the inherent responsibility each and every Marine must take by refusing to remain passive bystanders when dealing with sexual assault, while stressing the impact of sexual assault on the individual, the unit, and the Corps as a whole. To achieve a culture free from interpersonal violence, it will take the combined efforts of all of us – from the top level down – and this is the only way to ensure continued mission readiness. In a culture defined by men and women committed to the highest standards of personal conduct – both on and off duty – sexual assault is a crime and has no place in our Marine Corps. Leaders, both officer and enlisted, you must ensure that your Marines know what constitutes sexual assault and how to take appropriate action to protect themselves and their fellow Marines. Marines should have faith and confidence that the Marine Corps will treat all victims with dignity and respect. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command has established a helpline at (757) 630-9333 to provide 24/7 access to trained personnel, critical information and support. We have a duty to each other, to step up and be responsible – taking care of the Marine to the left and right, on the battlefield and home. Every Marine is responsible for preventing sexual assault, because even one of these crimes is too many. Semper Fidelis, B. Crowe, Commander, MARFORCOM, M.F. Jones, Sergeant Major, MARFORCOM, and M.R. Ruiz, Command Master Chief, MARFORCOM. For more information visit: http://www.sapr.mil/