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CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Sexual assault is an important issue to all Marines. It is up to leadership, especially small-unit leaders, to ensure all Marines are constantly informed about how to recognize sexual assault and to help victims or those at risk.
According to Marine Corps Order 1752.5A, sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by the use of force or physical threat of force. It is also abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent to unwanted contact.
Offenders could be charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice with several offenses to include Article 120.
“Together we can combat potential sexual assaults by looking out for each other and being always on the alert because it can happen at any time and in any place, especially when drinking is involved,” said Sgt. Dorian E. Reyes, a foreign criminal jurisdiction non-commissioned officer with the staff judge advocate, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.
Victims will be treated with sensitivity, decency and respect, and they will receive appropriate medical, emotional, psychological and social services.
“The Marine Corps has programs for reporting sexual assault and provides help to those who have been sexually assaulted through a command victim advocate or uniformed victim advocate,” said Reyes. “A command’s uniformed victim advocate is in place to help those victims of sexual assault get medical treatment or counseling.”
Victims have two methods of reporting - restricted and unrestricted. Restricted reporting is confidential when reporting to sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates, uniformed victim advocates, counselors or healthcare providers. The victim’s commander will be notified that a sexual assault occurred in their unit but will not receive any details or names of involved parties.
When filing an unrestricted report, the victim’s command and law enforcement will be provided specifics and a formal investigation will be conducted. Victims have the option to switch from restricted to unrestricted reporting but once a report is designated as unrestricted, an individual cannot restrict the report.
To prevent sexual assault, leaders must inform all Marines of warning signs and ways to help victims.
“Everyone should be aware of their surroundings,” added Reyes. “If something does not seem right, take yourself away from that situation. When consuming alcohol, do not overindulge and do not leave your drinks unattended or accept any drinks you did not personally see get opened or made.”
Being intoxicated is not an excuse for any unlawful behavior, including engaging in sexual activity with someone who is too impaired to consent.
It’s up to non-commissioned officers to ensure junior Marines are aware of situations and signs that can lead to sexual assault incidents and how to prevent them from occurring.
“It could be something as simple as a hug or a hand on the shoulder or side. Look for early signs of unwanted attention,” said Sgt. Daniel L. Bloom, a heavy-equipment operator with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.
It’s imperative for Marines to be sensitive to what individuals may perceive as sexual assault or harassment. Even if the offender felt he or she did nothing wrong, the offense is still punishable under the UCMJ.
Above all, Marines should protect each other and intervene when a situation becomes negative.
“NCOs must train their junior Marines to be watchful and learn the warning signs of a possible sexual assault situation,” said Reyes.
NCOs enforce MCIPAC commanding general’s policy on sexual assault. The general’s priorities in response to a sexual assault are as follows:
We must ensure the safety of the victims;
Victims must be treated with dignity and respect and will receive the appropriate care and services;
Commanders, in consultation with the staff judge advocate, shall take the appropriate actions in accordance with the UCMJ and the relevant orders and directives;
Alleged offenders will be afforded due process and have their rights protected.
Victims of sexual assault can call the 24/7 Sexual Assault Prevention & Response hotline from off-base at 098-970-4673 or on-base at 645-4673.
| Date Taken: | 04.13.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.19.2012 20:10 |
| Story ID: | 87011 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, NCOs crucial to preventing sexual assault, by Cpl Justin Wheeler, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
