Sapr (Sexual Assault Prevention And Response) Victim Advocate
CurrentI'm trained in the Navy's instruction on reporting options, legal responsibilities/options, and services offered with regards to sexual assault on/by a service member. I'm on call 24/7 for my command, standing one week watches by carrying the command's direct SAPR cell phone and beeper, rotating this watch with other volunteer members of my command. In April 2013 I headed a command-level training to give more in depth information than the GMTs (General Military Training) that are given throughout the year. I covered topics such as secondary victims/survivors (those that a victim/survivor tells their entire story to for the first time and looks to them for advice and support), PTSD and the effects it has on everyday life for those suffering from it with relation to sexual assault, suicidal thoughts, guilt, how to approach/speak with a victim/survivor, and a few others. I have since given advice to my upper chain of command on how to further edit current mandatory training so as to make it better, to enlist more attention being paid to it by those attending it. At the behest of my supervisors, I have begun aiding in giving this training myself as of March 2014 and will continue to do so until I am no longer in the Navy. In 2013 I received my official, national Victim Advocate credentialing to continue to perform this position. It is my hope to continue to work with the SAPR program as a civilian Victim Advocate once I join my husband in Charleston, SC, and have obtained my degree.