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United States Department of Defense Anti-Sexual Assault Social Marketing Campaign
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PrintAccording to experts, sexual assault remains a pervasive and persistent problem for women in the armed forces. In fact, in 2003, observers said the military was "ill-equipped and ill-prepared" to deal with complaints about rape and other forms of sexual assault. In response, the military has launched several educational campaigns designed to reduce the incidence of sexual assault in the armed forces.
As part of its annual participation in Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) rolled out a new social marketing campaign titled "Our Strength is for Defending." According to the U.S. DoD: "this research-based prevention strategy is designed to empower service members to intervene in situations where possible sexual assaults may occur." The DoD has launched a Website filled with information on how to prevent sexual assault. In addition, during April 2009, educational events will take place on bases and other military installations. Finally, DoD has produced video and radio PSAs as part of the campaign.
Results of the program have not yet been announced.
- Department of Defense Partners with Men Can Stop Rape on Sexual Assault Prevention Campaign, Men Can Stop Rape, April 2, 2009, http://www.mencanstoprape.org/info-url2699/info-url_show.htm?doc_id=872912
- Sexual Assault Pervasive in Military, Experts Say, Women's News, March 30, 2003, http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=1273
- My Duty Hero Video PSA, Developed for the Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Prevention Program, Living the Path Video Gallery, http://community.pathoftheblueeye.com/video/4843263/My+Duty+Hero+Video
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