Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions Program Information Sheet

1. Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions Program Information Sheet Month: April 2013 Topic: Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Point of Contact: OPVAV N135 (703) 604-5043 Topic Discussion: April is recognized around the country as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM); this national focus provides Navy the ideal opportunity to build on existing momentum in our fight against sexual assault. SAAM is the time to continue to emphasize our ongoing commitment to instill a climate that does not tolerate, condone, or ignore sexist behavior, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. We must have the Courage to Own it, Solve it, and move forward Together.

2. Sexual Assault Awareness What is sexual assault? • Sexual assault can be defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commit these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender. (SOURCE: OPNAVINST 1752.1B) Why should Sailors prevent sexual assault? • The day-to-day duty of every Navy man and woman is to work together as a team to improve the quality of our work, our people, and ourselves. • We show respect toward everyone on the team without regard to race, religion, or gender. • We all have a responsibility to care for the safety, professional, personal, and spiritual well-being of our people. • Our missions will be more successful, and we will work better as a team when the well-being of everyone is treated as important. • Preventing sexual assault is related to the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment. • If all Sailors take a stand when someone is starting to cross the line with another Sailor, they will play a vital role in preventing harm to a victim and in preserving a unit’s ability to function proficiently. • Offenders of sexual assault rely on your inaction to ensure they can have their way with a victim. • Your quick action is not meddling — it is assisting a fellow Sailor in harm’s way.

3. Sexual Assault Prevention Through Bystander Intervention What does Active Bystander Intervention mean? • Active bystanders take the initiative to help someone who may be targeted for a sexual assault. • Intervention doesn’t mean that you directly intervene stop a crime in progress; rather, these steps are “early intervention” – before the crime begins to occur. (SOURCE: “I got her out of there”. (ND). DoD Active Bystander Training Guide) What are the three components of Active Bystander Intervention? • There are three components to Active Bystander Intervention. They are referred to as the ABCs: • Assess for safety. Ensure that all parties are safe, and if the situation requires calling authorities. When deciding to intervene, your personal safety should be the #1 priority. When in doubt, call for help. • Be with others. If safe to intervene, you’re likely to have a greater influence on the parties involved when you work together with someone or several people. Your safety is increased when you stay with a group of friends that you know well. • Care for your fellow Sailor. If it appears that someone’s attempts to fend off the unwanted sexual advances aren’t working, we want you to feel responsible for the welfare of another human being, and offer to help-- even if that person is not aware they need help. Focus on the inappropriate behavior that should be stopped. (SOURCE: “I got her out of there”. (ND). DoD Active Bystander Training Guide)

4. Navy SAAM