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Capt. Max Clark, commanding officer of USS Nimitz, signed a proclamation at a ceremony aboard Nimitz, to draw further emphasis on Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (SAAPM), April 19, 2021.
Along with Command Master Chief Dave Conduff, Clark recognized the current SAPR VA cadre and thanked them for working diligently to create a safe environment for the ship’s Sailors and their families.
“This is an important time for us to raise the level of awareness about SAPR,” said Charlie Peterson, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC). “We remember who we’re here to serve, especially those who have the courage to come forward and make reports and those who interact with us.”
“If your work environment is respectful, you will be empowered,” said Sherie Warner, Nimitz’ deployed resiliency counselor (DRC) aboard the ship. “It’s everyone’s role to intervene when we see a situation that is inappropriate.”
This year, the Navy wants to model signature behaviors that will create a culture where people feel supported and as a part of a team where people have each other’s back and work to prevent sexual assault before it occurs.
Nimitz continually strives to foster an environment of dignity and respect, where sexual assault and sexual harassment are never tolerated, condoned or ignored.
“We should be aware of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention every day, not just once a year for a month,” said Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class, Katarzyna Kobiljak, USS Nimitz Lead Sexual Assault Prevention Response Victim Advocate (SAPR VA). “I think SAAPM helps us remember that there is an issue, it helps us to start a conversation about everything SAPR related and provides us an opportunity to educate our military members.”
Kobiljak encourages survivors to get help and if they have questions, and that the National SAPR Hotline is always available. Nimitz has its own SAPR Hotline as well, where SAPR advocates are always standing by ready to assist or to answer questions.
Changing the way we have open conversations about issues like sexual violence can help reduce the shame and stigma felt by survivors and encourage them to seek support and community.
Warner wants victims to know they have a voice.
“It’s our job to help the victim even when they feel like they can’t address it,” said Warner. “We ask them, ‘What do you want to do? What can I do to help you?’ Our purpose is not to judge or investigate anyone but to assist and advocate for our clients.”
Each chain of command is responsible for cultivating a climate of trust and professionalism that is intolerant of sexual harassment, sexual assault and retaliatory behavior.
“What we have noticed is that many Sailors, no matter what rank, still don't understand the difference between a sexual assault and sexual harassment,” said Kobiljak. “SAPR VAs don't mind answering questions. We encourage our Sailors to ask these questions no matter how uncomfortable or embarrassing those might be.”
As the Navy continues to change how conversations about sexual violence are carried out, Nimitz command and its Sailors recognize SAAPM as a spotlight on the issue that allows the topic to move forward. For those who currently need resources, you are not alone. The Nimitz SAPR Hotline is (360) 471-5418. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is (800) 656-4673. The SAPR SAFE Helpline is (877) 995-5247 or safehelpline.org.
| Date Taken: | 04.19.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2021 11:08 |
| Story ID: | 394225 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 132 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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