Recognizing It Avoiding It Preventing It Getting Help

Sexual Assault A Common Crime

1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men say they have been victims Number of victims may be greater because of failure to report or realize they were assaulted Three-quarters of all sexual assaults are committed by someone who knew the victim Victims recover more quickly from sexual assault when they get help.

What is Sexual Assault?

Intentional sexual contact. Involves force, physical threat or abuse of authority. Victim does not or cannot consent. Includes rape and indecent assault. The attacker doesn't have to use physical force. Can occur when someone is drunk, drugged or unconscious.

Source: Department of Defense Directive 6490.01, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program

Diminished Readiness
Mission readiness: A units ability to deploy quickly and efficiently.
Sexual assault reverberates throughout a unit and beyond. Degrades readiness by harming the life of the victim. Interferes with the militarys ability to work effectively as a team.

Mission Interference
1. Alleged perpetrators are placed on administrative holdthey cant deploy. 2. Victims cant do their jobs because assault has injured them physically or emotionally. 3. Unit leaders are pulled away from normal duties to attend the victims needs, investigate, and restore units cohesion and trust.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program

Goals: Eliminate sexual assault by creating a culture of prevention. 24-hour/7-day response capability to help victims. Teach Navy personnel reporting procedures. Accountability. Spread the word that alcohol is the weapon of choice for sexual predators. Compassionate, effective support for victims.

Avoiding Dangerous Situations

Be aware of your surroundings. Know where you are and who is around you. Try to avoid isolated areas. It is harder to get help if no one is around. Walk with purpose. Act like you know where you are going. Trust your instincts. Avoid situations or locations that feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Avoiding Dangerous Situations, cont.

Dont load yourself down with packages or bags. Have a cell phone and cab money. Don't be alone with someone you dont trust or dont know. Dont put ear buds in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings.

Drinking?
If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. About half of all U.S. sexual assaults involve the use of alcohol by the offender, the victim, or both. Dont leave your drink unattended or accept a drink thats in an open container.

If Someone Is Pressuring You

It isnt your fault. The person who is making you uncomfortable is to blame. Be true to yourself. "I don't want to" is always a good enough reason. Have an out. Use code if you must, call a friend or family member to come get you. Lie and make up an excuse. Dont stay and be uncomfortable, scared, or worse. Plan an escape route. Where are doors, windows, people who can help, an emergency phone? If you have been drinking, say you want to sober up before before doing anything you may regret.

No! Means No!

Even if: You say Yes but changes your mind You have had sex with the person before You have been kissing or making out You are wearing provocative clothing

How to Report a Sexual Assault

Contact your local Victim Advocate or Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC). They will activate the victim watch list and have someone come to you immediately to give you the information you need to decide what you want to do. The SARC will explain the reporting options to you and give you information on the Victim Reporting Preference Statement.

Reporting Options
Military members have two options as to how they report the crime of sexual assault. Both options allow for accessing medical and mental health care, as well as other kinds of support services. In order to preserve the right to choose what kind of a report is made, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for your installation must be contacted.

Types of Reports
Restricted Report. Confidential report of a sexual assault. Any care that is accessed under a Restricted Report is also kept confidentialthe sexual assault report is not forwarded to command or law enforcement. Can be converted to an Unrestricted Report. Unrestricted Report. Is not confidential. Triggers an investigation and involves the military justice system

About the SARC and Victim Advocate

SARC -- Coordinates sexual-assault response efforts. Activates the Victim Advocate watch list to provide immediate support for victims. Victim Advocate -- Trained volunteer who provides support for victims. Will explain options, including the Victim Preference Reporting Statement, and help victims get the help they need.

Resources
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office http://www.sapr.mil

Resources , cont.
Fleet and Family Support Program http://www.ffsp.navy.mil (click Sexual assault Preventive and Response in left nav bar)

Resources, cont.
Military One Source http://www.militaryonesource.com (search assault)

Resources, cont.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center http://www.nsvrc.org

Resources, cont.
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network http://www.rainn.org

Discussion Items
1. Have you witnessed or heard about a sexual assault in your unit? How was it handled? 2. Why would someone think that rape was the victims fault? How do you view victims of sexual assault? 3. What risk-management controls are available to help one reduce ones risk of assault?

Questions?