#SAAM: Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Team Visits Pensacola

By Steve Vanderwerff, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- A team from the Department of the Navy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (DoN SAPRO) visited Pensacola July 10-12, to meet with key stake holders, get their impressions, and discuss what works and what doesn't.

While in Pensacola Dr. Paul Garst, deputy director, DoN SAPRO and his team met with Rear Adm. Don Quinn, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), visited several of NETC's training centers, Marine Aviation and Training Support Group 21 (MATSG-21); Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola's Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) sexual assault response coordinators (SARC); and local Judge Advocate General and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) members.

"I've come to visit Pensacola to learn more about the place and hear first-hand from key people here," said Garst. "Our challenge from the secretary of the Navy is to explore strategies and opportunities to combat sexual assault department-wide; that is to reduce the total of both reported and unreported sexual assaults involving Sailors and Marines. One of the things we've learned from surveys and site visits is that young Sailors and Marines just out of boot camp may be most at risk, and a large number of them are concentrated in schools right here.

"Don't get me wrong, sexual assault is absolutely a Navy-wide issue, but the unique population at Pensacola makes it a good place to learn more from senior leaders, sexual assault program mangers, and individual Sailors and Marines. What we're discovering is that it's a unique place. I don't have a preconception of what the right strategies are going to be. I am however, finding myself super impressed with what the local commands are already doing," said Garst.

They also took time to hold round table discussions with junior and senior personnel.

During a discussion with Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) and Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola's Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) chapter members Garst asked how Sailors about the program, why CSADD is good for junior Sailors, how effective the program is and why it works so well in Pensacola.

"The discussion with Dr. Garst and his team was an excellent opportunity for us to learn how CSADD and junior Sailors can help the SAPR program, and get more involved," said Airman Kevin Montgomery, NATTC's CSADD chapter president. "I wanted them to know we can help and get more involved through the CSADD program."

CSADD is a peer mentoring program for active and Reserve Sailors, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) candidates, and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets aimed at promoting good decision-making and leadership development at the most junior levels. It encourages positive influence and behavior while at the same time bringing together on-line and in-person networking with peer interaction. Sea and shore commands are encouraged to promote the program which practices informed decision making and reinforces the idea of shipmates helping shipmates.

DoN SAPRO is responsible for oversight of the DoN's sexual assault policy. SAPRO works hand-in-hand with the services and the civilian community to develop and implement prevention and response programs.

"Sexual assault is a crime, and it will not be tolerated," said Capt. Chris Plummer, commanding officer, NAS Pensacola. "It is against everything the Navy stands for, diametrically opposed to our core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment, and is detrimental to readiness, retention, and morale. Our greatest weapon against this crime is an engaged leadership. Our CO's, XO's and Chief's Mess must set a consistent tone and establish an environment of trust and respect."

During his discussion with Pensacola's senior enlisted leadership the discussion was frank and open; with both sides providing insight about what has worked in the past and what is currently working to eliminate sexual assault among the ranks.

"Dr. Garst provided excellent insight into the hurdles we face eliminating sexual assault," said Naval Education and Training Command's Force Master Chief April Beldo. "I hope our input helps develop new or revisit past programs. We definitely have to adjust our tolerance for this type of criminal behavior. Our Sailors need to watch out for each other whether they're on duty or off.

"It's all about changing our culture. Pre-assault intervention and ensuring the safety of each other is key to the success of our Sailors and Marines, their unit, command, and to the Navy and Marine Corps," Beldo said.

The DoN's SAPR program reflects a Department of Defense (DoD)-wide initiative to prevent sexual assaults. In April 2011, the DoD launched its Safe Helpline where service members can "click, call or text" to receive help after a sexual assault. The DoD Safe Helpline is free, anonymous and confidential, and provides military members a live, sexual assault support professional that can offer advice and guidance.

The helpline can be accessed by military members 24/7 by visiting http://www.SafeHelpline.org or by calling 877-995-5247. Another way victims can report sexual assault is to text 55247 inside the U.S., or 202-470-5546 outside of the U.S. to receive an automated response including contact information for the local SARC.