No Place for Silence: Our Corps, Our Fight Against Sexual Assault
Marines, we pride ourselves on our core values—honor, courage, and commitment. These values aren't just words; they define who we are. Today, those values call us to stand firm against one of the greatest threats to our trust and strength: sexual assault within our ranks.
Sexual assault shatters the bonds of trust, weakens our unity, and strikes at the heart of what makes us the world’s most formidable fighting force.
This is a fight we all own—and one we must tackle together.
Through the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program, the Marine Corps remains steadfast in addressing this issue. The sexual assault response coordinators (SARCs) and SAPR victim advocates (VAs), both Marines and civilians, serve as critical lifelines for survivors. They provide unwavering support, guidance, and resources to help survivors heal and reclaim their lives.
But preventing sexual assault isn’t just the job of SARCs and VAs—it’s on every Marine and civilian in our Corps.
Here's how to lead the change:
- Speak Up: Challenge harmful behaviors and attitudes. Don't ignore jokes, comments, or actions that normalize or excuse sexual assault.
- Believe Survivors: Treat every survivor with dignity, respect, and compassion. Reporting takes incredible courage—meet it with unwavering support.
- Support One Another: Create an environment where everyone feels safe to report incidents, without fear of retaliation or judgment.
Our commitment to eradicating sexual assault goes beyond policy; it's about our identity as Marines. It's about honoring the trust placed in us, standing true to our values, and building a Corps where everyone is valued, respected, and protected.
Need support or want to get involved? Visit www.usmc-mccs.org/SAPR, or contact your local SARC or SAPR VA today.