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Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office
Midshipmen in classroom

Prevention

USNA SAPRO’s Training and Education programming, through evidenced-based and best-practice techniques of training and education, aims to help foster a culture in which any act of sexual assault or sexual harassment among USNA midshipmen, faculty and staff is not welcome and not tolerated.  The programming also aims to train and educate personnel in the institution, in collaboration with USNA SAPRO’s response personnel, about issues regarding survivors and response so that survivors can be optimally supported, advocated for and cared for. We adhere strongly to the research-supported best practice of bystander intervention to encourage proactive leadership and community to prevent sexual assault and harassment.  

Training & Education 

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office provides annual training and education opportunities for all midshipmen, faculty and staff, active duty and civilian.  Training and education sessions range from large group informational sessions to small, interactive discussion format.  The SAPR Office also partners with subject matter experts external to USNA to enhance our training and education.

SHAPE ProgramSHAPE session

The primary form of training and education for the midshipmen is the Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Education (SHAPE) Program.  The mission of the SHAPE program is to foster an environment of dignity and respect, and assist in the development of future officers who will promote and practice proactive leadership to prevent sexual violence.

Midshipmen SHAPE Peer Educators facilitate discussions about sexual harassment and sexual assault to empower midshipmen with increased awareness and active intervention skills. 

SHAPE focuses on broadening midshipmen awareness of sexual harassment and assault, emphasizing and fostering their role as solution-focused leaders.  The program approaches the subject-matter as both a cultural issue, deconstructing myths and accepted behaviors and a leadership issue, providing practical tools to intervene proactively.  The curriculum incorporates midshipmen feedback and integrates the unique cultures of USNA, the Navy and the Marine Corps.  SHAPE supports the Sexual Assault Response program by reinforcing victim response and support for victims.

SHAPE is a tiered approach, explicitly aligned with the 4-year USNA leadership curriculum that utilizes a small-group, discussion-based format.  4/C receive four peer education sessions per year. 3/C receive two peer education sessions per year and 2/C receive two peer education sessions per year with incorporation of additional material into corresponding leadership and legal classes.  Our 1/C midshipmen do not receive peer education.  Instead, the SHAPE program has collaborated with USNA's Character Development & Training department to include scenarios involving sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Capstone Seminar that every 1/C must attend.  In this seminar, various scenarios that mirror real-life situations a junior officer will face are discussed and strategized with the guidance of officers and senior enlisted leaders.

Guest presentations specific to each class are incorporated each year and are debriefed in later peer education sessions.

Midshipmen SAPR/CMEO GUIDEs

The mission of the United States Naval Academy SAPR/CMEO GUIDE program is to provide guidance, understanding, information, direction and education needed for individuals seeking support regarding incidents concerning equal opportunity, sexual harassment or sexual assault. We work to ensure that all midshipmen are treated with dignity and respect by acting as a trusted peer resource throughout the Brigade.

GUIDEs are recognized SAPR and CMEO resources and sources of support responsible for outreach and education.  GUIDEs are equipped through Fleet-relevant training to be sensitive and capable allies.

 

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