Photo By Douglas Stutz | Sailors supporting Sailors... Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) Sailors officially...... read more read more
Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) Sailors officially reestablished their peer supporting peer program, Sailors Against Sexual Harassment and Assault (S.A.S.H.A.) on July 29, 2019.
S.A.S.H.A. is a Sailor led and Sailor driven campaign with the avowed mission to make a difference - from the deckplates – in helping to end sexual harassment and assault in the Navy and in the community.
“The opportunity to reconstitute the organization was brought up back in April and I was excited by the potential I saw in it. After establishing a leadership team and getting bylaws confirmed, we began the work to rebuild our infrastructure and prepare our official launch. All the time the momentum is growing,” explained Hospital Corpsman 2nd class Erin Shellymoody, one of the primary S.A.S.H.A. event organizers.
Shellymoody attests that SASHA offers an opportunity for all service members - with specific focus on junior Sailors - to take ownership of changing the culture surrounding interaction with others.
“Individuals learn what is appropriate and what is not from their peers more than any other group. By being a grass roots organization, SASHA engages with the community at the level where positive habits can be formed and lead to good decisions made down the road. It is through this positive influence on culture that we can get ahead of sexual harassment and assault rather than being reflexive about the issue,” Shellymoody said.
“I know far too many who have been affected (by sexual assault and harassment). We hope our group can make a positive impact by helping to show what’s considered acceptable behavior and what isn’t, and also provide safe alternatives for our staff,” added Shellymoody.
Approximately 25 Sailors are part of the program, with more expressing interest to also take an active role. The launch event had pastry appeal – approximately six dozen cupcakes were handed out - to draw Sailors, and also provided them the opportunity to share candid thoughts on ‘what they would want a loved one who has been affected by sexual assault or harassment know?’
‘Your past does not define your worth. You deserve to be heard,’ wrote Hailee.
‘You are no alone,’ was posted by Hospitalman Clark.
An anonymous – and agonizing – note was also added, ‘Mom, it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t know. And I know you had to work. He was the monster, not you!’
Compiled statistical evidence shows that there were 66 reports of sexual abuse at Naval Base Kitsap in Fiscal Year 2017. Those 66 reports meant 66 victims – 49 women and 17 men – were directly affected.
The Department of the Navy does not tolerate sexual assault and/or harassment, and the principle objective of S.A.S.H.A. is to help ensure everyone - both military and civilian - are aware of the effects of sexual harassment and assault. S.A.S.H.A membership is specifically geared directly towards local service members.
“We’re growing every day. I feel that we reached a large portion of the command with this event. We had three new staff members express a desire to join the organization during the event itself. We bring a lot of skill sets, which also allows us to get connected across many departments and clinics. We’re currently working with our Junior Enlisted Association on putting together a ‘Sailor’s Night Out’ in mid-August that will have sporting events and food,” Shellymoody said.
NHB also has comprehensive programs such as Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) and Sexual Assault Forensic
Examinations (SAFE) that reinforce a culture of prevention, response, and accountability for the safety, dignity, and well-being of Sailors and Marines. The SAPR program with Victim Advocates and SAFE capability provide a balance of focused education, comprehensive response, compassionate advocacy, and just adjudication in order to promote professionalism, respect, and trust, while preserving Navy mission readiness.
“All active duty are welcome to join SASHA. This chapter welcomes members from all of NBK and tenant commands. We hope that this chapter will serve as an example to follow and that others will be formed across the Navy. Officer positions are restricted to E-5 and below in line with the spirit of empowering juniors to shape and grow this organization. Though none of our membership includes retirees or reservists, we will engage with the community in joint ventures like ‘Take Back the Night’ and supporting appropriate outreach programs. Through such events, there will be opportunities for all members of the community, active duty and otherwise, to contribute their efforts.”
With command leadership backing, S.A.S.H.A. strives to be a hands-on, active, and practical asset to all Sailors, offering safe options and secure alternatives.
“It’s really exciting to take part in the standing up of S.A.S.H.A. The proactive approach to sexual assault that HM2 Shellymoody and others like HN Clark are doing is so impressive and important,” commented Chief Hospital Corpsman Jenny Singer.
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 07.31.2019 10:33 |
| Story ID: | 333830 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 165 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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