Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman Jenny Singer, Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program coordinator, oversees the command’s involvement in helping to recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Singer also provides coordination and oversight of compliance with SAPR program requirements, ensuring that command members receive general military training, are aware of SAPR resources, and know who – and how - to get timely assistance if needed (Photo by: Navy Hospitalman Madeleine Connaway, NMRTC Bremerton). 

Distraction

Distraction is a form of indirect intervention that can help diffuse a potentially risky situation by creating a diversion to interrupt the behavior.

Examples

• Ask the aggressor an unrelated question, such as, ‘How do you get to the commissary? "Do you know when this place closes?"
• This may give the potential target the opportunity to leave the situation. Make up an excuse to help the potential target get away, Such as "I think I lost my phone. Can you help me look for it?"

Protocol

If you are unsure of how to safely intervene, or the situation escalates, seek the help of your chain of command or law enforcement.

Personal safety is very important for all involved, including the person doing the direct intervention. Before deciding to actively intervene in a situation, consider the following:

• Is there a problem or risky situation?
• What resources and options are available if I intervene?
• Who else might be able to assist me in this situation?
• What are the pros and cons of taking action?

Along with direct intervention tactics, ongoing prevention awareness is considered just as imperative. Towards that goal, NMRTC Bremerton has several events planned for this month. There will be a "Chalk the Walk" event, where staff and patients have an opportunity to write positive and supportive messages regarding SAAPM.

"We are also planning a few other events that brings awareness to victim blaming and destructive myths that surround sexual violence. That's important. Sexual assault is not the victim's fault. They didn't encourage someone to assault them," Singer said.

In her position, Singer provides oversight of NMRTC Bremerton compliance with SAPR program requirements, ensuring that command members receive general military training, are aware of SAPR resources, and know who—and how— to get timely assistance if needed, such as with the command SAPR victim advocates.

"The victim advocates are such a crucial part of the program," stated Singer. "They provide the ongoing support to the victim and assist them with navigating processes to get the care and services they need."

SAPR victim advocates provide continuous victim support throughout the incident reporting process, initial and ongoing investigation, as well as any court proceedings. They supply all information to the victim so that he or she can make the best decision and serves as a liaison between the victim and service providers.

Along with local resources like victim advocates, there is the DOD Safe Helpline available around the clock for live one-on-one help and confidential victim assistance: 877-995-5247.

The Military Health System also offers a variety of health and wellness resources to assist any victim, both mentally and physically. Any type of sexual trauma can be physically and emotionally harmful and can lead to self-harming behavior, including suicidal ideation. Anyone experiencing suicidal ideation can:

• Call the Military & Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and selecting Option 1
• Visit the DOD Safe Helpline for more information about reporting options, local resources and crisis intervention.
• Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE), or a local rape crisis center.

"One of the most beneficial tools any person struggling to cope with a traumatic event can receive is support," exclaimed Navy Chief Engineman John Antoine, Substance Abuse Rehabilitation counselor and Mental Health department leading chief petty officer.

According to the DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, sexual assault is the nation's most underreported violent crime. In the U.S, a sexual assault occurs approximately every 90 seconds. Sexual assault does not discriminate. It affects men, women, and children of all racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. There has also been an increase in sexual assault reported in DOD.

"Everyone needs to know about SAAPM! It takes everyone's effort to be able to recognize and stop these behaviors early on to ensure a safe environment of trust and respect for each other," added Singer.