USNA News Article
Naval Academy Takes the Helm on Sexual Assault Prevention
September 11, 2012
From Naval Academy Public Affairs
The Naval Academy conducted seven interactive training sessions in September as part of a comprehensive sexual assault and harassment prevention regimen for more than 600 military staff and faculty members.
The Navy’s new leadership training program, entitled “Take the Helm,” provides all senior enlisted and officers with the skills to raise awareness of this issue and promote a culture of change. The training is divided into sections covering awareness, prevention and intervention, and response. In each section of the training, participants view a segment of a video on that topic then discuss it.
The military faculty and staff are not the only personnel who receive training on sexual assault or sexual harassment; All 4,400 midshipmen also receive extensive training from the first days of Plebe Summer to graduation and commissioning, including annual refresher briefings at the start of the academic year, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and prior to departing on summer training. The Naval Academy superintendent and commandant personally brief every midshipman on the importance of sexual harassment and assault awareness, prevention and reporting at the beginning of each semester.
Additionally, in support of the Navy’s emphasis on sexual assault and harassment awareness and prevention, all civilian personnel at the Naval Academy undergo annual web-based training on the prevention of sexual harassment.
Sexual assault is widely considered the most under-reported crime in the U.S. The Naval Academy’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Capt. Lynn Acheson said that this statistic was part of the reason for Navy leadership’s aggressive efforts to promote essential culture changes within the force. The aim is to create a command climate that encourages victims to report a crime so it may be thoroughly investigated and, where sufficient evidence is present, prosecuted to the fullest extent possible, while ensuring the victim’s privacy is protected and they get the help they need.
“I want people to know that we have a robust system,” Acheson said. “Let the system work. Support your friends, but be neutral. Avoid gossip and rumors, and be loyal to the Navy’s core values.”
The academy’s focus is first on creating a positive culture and preventing sexual harassment or assault through education, empowerment, inspiration and accountability.
Through the academy’s Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention and Education (SHAPE) program, plebes and youngsters receive approximately five hours of formal education each year focusing on various aspects of sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention. First and second-class midshipmen receive at least two hours of education each year, and SHAPE material is integrated into their required leadership and law classes as well as the first class capstone curriculum.
The academy’s Sexual Assault Response Office has more than 50 midshipmen volunteers trained as Sexual Assault Response (SAR) guides. These midshipmen apply for the position and are screened and interviewed by the midshipman SAR guide staff and senior victim advocate. If selected, they are provided with 18 hours of specialized training before assuming their duties.
In addition to preventing sexual assault and harassment, the academy has implemented a robust reporting structure to ensure an environment where midshipmen are free to discuss sexual assault or harassment issues, get counseling if desired, and report the issue either anonymously through the DoD Safe Helpline or directly to authorities.
The culture at the academy encourages reporting issues at all times. It is made very clear that reporting sexual harassment or assault is always the right thing to do. Once reported, the sexual assault prevention staff follows through from beginning to end until the matter is resolved.
Every case of sexual assault that is reported is reviewed by senior officials at the Naval Academy. Every unrestricted report of sexual assault will be investigated through the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and civilian law enforcement agencies as appropriate. In every sexual assault case, the victim is offered immediate medical care, counseling and support.
The brigade has at least five different avenues to get help or counseling if they desire. In addition to individuals specifically trained to respond to sexual assault cases, midshipmen can voice a complaint to or seek assistance from brigade leadership, junior officers, civilian faculty and staff, enlisted personnel and chaplains.
Midshipmen are also encouraged to talk to people they trust: coaches, faculty and sponsor parents. The Midshipman Development Center, staffed by professional military and civilian counselors, is available to offer confidential advice and assistance on a wide range of personal and behavioral matters.
The academy has a full-time civilian senior victim advocate and a licensed clinical social worker specializing in sexual assault. Acheson, a senior fleet officer with command experience, heads the program and is personally responsible for the coordination of victim care from the initial report through final resolution.
