UNCLASSIFIED Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Pre-deployment Brief UNCLASSIFIED September 2014 11 Objectives • Understand DoD and DON policy on sexual assault and sexual harassment. • Understand customs and mores in deployed locations. • Describe prevention and bystander intervention strategies. • Identify resources. 2 DoD and DoN Sexual Assault Policies 33 Navy Policy on Sexual Assault • Sexual assault is a crime incompatible with the Department of the Navy’s (DoN’s) core values. • Reduce sexual assault through prevention, education, training, and accountability. • Provide a culture of fair and respectful treatment that enhances the well-being of all personnel. • Provide a timely response and access to services. 4 Definition of Sexual Assault Intentional sexual contact is characterized by the use of: • Force • Threats • Intimidation • Abuse of authority • Or, when the victim does not or cannot consent DoDD 6495.01 5 Definition and Types of Sexual Assault Rape* Sexual intercourse without consent Forcible Sodomy* Oral or anal sex without consent Unwanted Sexual Groping, grabbing, fondling, or touching Contact* of a sexual nature without consent * Includes attempts to commit these acts DoDD 6495.01 6 Definition of Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: • A person’s employment, pay, or career is placed at risk • It creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment Sexual harassment incidents are referred to the Military Equal Opportunity Program. 7 Sexual Assault vs. Sexual Harassment • • • • • • • Sexual Assault Violation of UCMJ Is always a crime Unwanted and uninvited sexual behaviors Gender neutral Covered under SAPR Can occur anywhere Victims can make confidential/restricted reports • • • • • • • Sexual Harassment Violation of UCMJ May be a crime Unwanted and uninvited sexual behaviors Gender neutral Covered under Military Equal Opportunity Program Occurs in work or school settings All reports go to chain of command 88 The Unit SAPR VA’s Role in the Response to Sexual Assault 99 Response Protocol Immediate Response Sources of Reports Victim Unit SAPR Victim Advocate SARC Command 1. Assesses victim’s immediate needs (medical, safety, etc.) 2. Responds to victim’s immediate needs (medical, safety, etc.). Provides accompaniments. 3. Explains reporting options and obtains victim’s signature on Victim Reporting Preference Statement (DD2910) HCP MP DRC 4. Collects information to give to SARC for DSAID entries 5. Notifies SARC when non-SARC referral 6. Provides initial services to victim (stabilizes and provides needed resources) MRE 514: Victims can claim privilege and not disclose confidential communication made to the Unit SAPR VA Follow-up Response 7. Provides victim with ongoing resources and services, as requested by victim 8. Closes case when victim no longer wishes to have advocacy and case is fully adjudicated 10 10 SAPR Program Personnel Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) -- Builds and maintains liaisons with first responders, both military and civilian-based -- Provides oversight to SAPR VAs by monitoring their performance and response to victims of sexual assault -- Responsible for promoting awareness and prevention via Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Unit SAPR Victim Advocate (SAPR VA) -- Provides crisis intervention, referral and ongoing non-clinical support to the sexual assault victim, upon request -- Informs victims of their reporting options -- Informs victims of their options to use service providers (e.g., medical, legal and chaplain) and other appropriate resources 11 First Responders • • • • • Naval Criminal Investigative Service Office of Judge Advocate General Medical professionals Chaplains Deployed Resiliency Counselors 12 Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) • • • • • Medical exam to collect forensic evidence Administered by trained medical personnel Restricted and Unrestricted Reports Voluntary exam for victim Evidence is collected using a SAFE Kit, up to 72-120 hours after sexual assault. • SAFE Kit is only processed if the report is unrestricted. • SAFE Kit is stored for five years for restricted reports. 13 Reporting Options 14 14 Restricted Reporting Option • A restricted report can be made to a SARC, a SAPR VA, or health care personnel (including Deployed Resiliency Counselors). • It gives victims access to medical, counseling, advocacy, legal, and chaplain services. • Restricted reporting does not trigger an official investigation or command notification. • It helps build victims’ trust in the system to encourage further reporting. 15 Unrestricted Reporting Option • An unrestricted report can be made to a SARC, a SAPR VA, health care personnel (including Deployed Resiliency Counselors), law enforcement, or chain of command. • It ensures the widest range of rights and protections to the victim. • It activates command support (e.g., Military Protective Orders - MPOs, separation from offender, deferred collateral misconduct, expedited transfers, etc.). • A full investigation enhances the opportunity to hold offender(s) accountable (e.g., crime scene, witness interviews, suspect interrogation). • It may encourage other victims to come forward. • It enhances community safety. 16 Sexual Assault in Deployed Environments • All SAPR services are available in deployed environments. • Sexual assault cases are managed by the homeport SARC to ensure continuity of services. • Commands are required to have an adequate number of Unit SAPR VAs. • DRCs are an asset on board larger ships. 17 Customs, Mores, and Religious Practices Differences between American culture and other cultures may include: • Different religious practices and traditions • Different customs regarding social interactions between men and women • Different patterns of verbal communication (e.g., may be less direct) • Different patterns of non-verbal communication (e.g., eye contact, shaking hands, gestures) • Different social standing of women • Different ways of expressing sexual interest Just because a practice is acceptable for local populations does not mean that it is acceptable for foreigners. 18 Understanding Consent Consent is NOT -- Cooperation that results from force, threat or fear -- The failure to verbally or physically resist due to fear -- Implied by prior consent -- Implied by manner of dress -- Possible when someone is incapacitated, unconscious or asleep Consent MUST encompass -- Positive and willful participation -- Voluntary action -- Knowledge of the act 19 The Relationship Between Alcohol and Sexual Assault If a person is substantially intoxicated or incapacitated, he/she cannot legally consent to sex. Signs that someone may be substantially intoxicated: • • • • • Cannot stand or sit without assistance Staggering or tripping when walking Passing out or falling asleep Slurred or loud speech Vomiting 20 Prevention Strategies and Behaviors 21 21 Perpetrator Risk Factors Risk Factors for Perpetration • Individual: Aggressive/physically violent, rigid beliefs about traditional gender roles including hyper-masculinity, drug/alcohol use, association with sexually aggressive peers. • Community: General tolerance of sexual assault. Sexual Assault Sequence: 1. Target selection; 2. Approach and evaluate; 3. Separation; 4. Consent not given; 5. Intimidation; 6. Sexual violation; and 7. Camouflaging, covering up Many sexual assaults are planned to some extent. Perpetrators may use alcohol to diminish a victim’s ability to resist, and to justify their own aggressive behaviors. 22 22 Bystander Intervention Be an active bystander: Intervene if you witness a situation that could lead to sexual assault. -- Direct Intervention: Directly speak with the person about possibly violating the law and codes of conduct, or ask if everything is okay. -- Indirect Intervention: Ask a friend or authority figure to intervene. -- Distraction: Create a distraction or diversion to remove someone from a risky situation. -- Protocol: Seek the help of your chain of command or law enforcement. 23 23 Reduce Your Risk • Learn more about local customs, mores, and religious practices. • Trust your instincts. • If you see something, say something. • Stick with your friends and watch out for each other. • While on liberty, be aware that perpetrators use alcohol as a weapon. 24 24 Resources 25 25 DoD Safe Helpline 26 Local Resources • Unit SAPR VA contact information • Local Sexual Assault Response number: [insert] • Other relevant sexual assault resources: [insert] 27 27 Questions? 28 28