The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program, previously known as the Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI) program, is designed to make the CNO’s vision a reality by meeting the needs of sexual assault victims and providing awareness and prevention education.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the stated goal is to eliminate sexual assault in the Navy.
Victim advocacy and intervention is an important part of this program. Currently there are more than 60 trained sexual assault-victim advocates on call, 24⁄7, at Pax River. These advocates support sexual assault victims by:
&Accompanying victims through medical, investigative, and legal processes.
Another important component of the SAPR program is providing awareness and prevention education to all active-duty servicemembers.
All servicemembers, officers and enlisted, need to understand the wide range of illegal activity that is covered by the term ‘‘sexual assault” as defined by the Department of Defense.
Additionally, everyone must realize and understand that active-duty victims of sexual assault have two reporting options: restricted and unrestricted reporting.
Restricted reporting allows active-duty victims of a sexual assault to receive medical care, other treatment, information, and counseling without notifying command or law enforcement personnel. Victims can only elect this option if they (1) report the sexual assault to a sexual assault response coordinator (SARC), a victim advocate, health care personnel, or a chaplain, and (2) notify that individual that they have elected to keep the report restricted.
Unrestricted reporting also enables active-duty victims of a sexual assault to receive medical care, other treatment, information, and counseling, but includes notification of command and law enforcement personnel.
Whatever the victim decides, the SAPR program is here to help.
To learn more, contact your installation SARC Linda Schmid, 301-342-4911, or speak with a SAPR victim advocate 24⁄7 at 301-481-1057.
If you would like to become a victim advocate and help ensure that victims of sexual assault are treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center for the next SAPR training, June 7-10.
Show your support for the SAPR program by participating in the Earth Day⁄SAVI 5K Run⁄Walk on April 15 at the Beach House.
Those entering will be eligible for door prizes and the command that has the most participants will earn a special prize. Contact Linda Schmid, 301-342-4911, for entry forms for this event.
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