John C. Stennis Wrangles Sexual Assault

PACIFIC OCEAN

04.18.2018

Story by Seaman Erika Kugler 

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

PACIFIC OCEAN – Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) participated in a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Rodeo, April 18.
The ship hosted the event to educate Sailors about the SAPR program during Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Awareness Month, recognized by the Navy in April.
“It’s important to John C. Stennis because anyone can be sexually assaulted,” said Master-at-Arms Seaman Ariana Aguirre, from Phoenix, a participant at the SAPR Rodeo. “I think being able to have this type of event, where people have the opportunity to talk to someone, helps with the healing process.”
The SAPR Rodeo consisted of games such as rope toss, trivia, and an obstacle course all designed to teach Sailors about the different facets of the SAPR program.
Aguirre said she learned about SAPR points of contact, what bystander intervention was, as well as statistics of sexual assault.
Not only did Sailors participate in learning and games, but they were taught by their shipmates, who felt it was their duty to educate other Sailors on the SAPR program and the resources at their disposal.
“It’s important that all John C. Stennis Sailors know the process about reporting a SAPR incident because it could save a life,” said Quartermaster Seaman Javen Rogers, from Long Beach, California, a volunteer at the event. “It takes a lot for a person to talk about a very traumatic event that happened in their life, and the more Stennis Sailors that know SAPR awareness, the better.”
Though there were games, and the atmosphere was happy and fun, the SAPR Rodeo was about providing Sailors with the ultimate tool against sexual assault: knowledge.
“Knowing about SAPR not only helps you in your work place, but also outside of work,” said Rogers. “It teaches you about the responsibility of respecting others and their personal space and not overstepping boundaries.
She also said that the SAPR program has many benefits that Sailors should look into. For more information, go to www.sapr.navy.mil.
John C. Stennis is underway conducting routine training in preparation for its next scheduled deployment.
For more news on John C. Stennis, visit www.stennis.navy.mil or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stennis74.

• Date Taken: 04.18.2018
• Date Posted: 04.22.2018 21:47
• Story ID: 274050
• Location: PACIFIC OCEAN