Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Connor Loessin | NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Apr 1, 2016) -- Chief Brian Santacruz, a Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR) Point of Contact (POC), assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) gives Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Daniel Crosby a brief of the Sexual Assault Prevention Response Program. All Sailors who first check into Ford must complete this brief within 24 hours of checking in. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Connor D. Loessin/Released)  

AT SEA

10.04.2017

Story by Jason Pastrick 

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)           

“The Sailors know who to look for,” said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Terry West, one of Ford’s SAPR points of contact. “Victim advocates wear the teal lanyards and most of the departments have a departmental (SAPR) representative. As early as indoctrination, we are holding frequent training sessions to familiarize the command with SAPR.”

Ford SAPR victim advocates are easily identified in a crowd and make themselves known to their shipmates.

“When we [train] the brand new Sailors at the command, we set the standard,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Christine Tyler, also one of Ford’s SAPR points of contact. “We let them know what our policy on Ford is, what to look out for, and how to intervene.”

SAPR victim advocates are the primary means of providing ongoing support to the victim. They are trained in handling tense situations and helping a victim determine the best course of further action while maintaining confidentiality.

“I want to be there for my shipmates if ever they should need me,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class James McClain, a two-year victim advocate. “Being sexually assaulted can cause a lot of different emotions and feelings. Having someone there to listen and help them to the road of recovery can make a huge difference.”

A victim has two reporting options: restricted and unrestricted. Both options allow the victim to receive medical care and a support system by way of a SAPR victim advocate.

Restricted reports will not trigger an investigation and allow the victim to confidentially disclose details of the assault to individuals such as the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), SAPR victim advocates, and medical personnel.

Victims can also pick someone outside of their chain of command, like a trustworthy friend or family member, to confidentially disclose details to and have the case remain restricted.

However, unrestricted reports will trigger an official investigation, command notification, and additional command protective actions in aid of the victim.

“The key takeaway is for Sailors to know that they can make that report,” said West. “To know that they don’t have to be afraid to step up and talk to a victim advocate.”

SAPR victim advocates are hand-selected for their compassionate characteristics and composure under pressure, said Tyler.

“Going through the process, you have to realize that you are not just dealing with your emotions, but with someone else’s,” said McClain. “You have to want to help.”

“Sailors should care about the SAPR program because there are no programs for Sailors that are able to provide care and direction after trauma better than an advocate,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Martin Widenhouse. “Without the program, Sailors wouldn’t have as much direction towards the resources and closure that we all would want.”

Any Ford Sailors interested in talking to a SAPR victim advocate, or starting on the path to becoming a victim advocate to support their shipmates, should contact their departmental SAPR representative, victim advocate or call the DOD Safe Helpline at [phone].

• Date Taken: 10.04.2017
• Date Posted: 11.13.2017 10:30
• Story ID: 255092
• Location: AT SEA