By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Lauren Howes

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response-Fleet (SAPR-F) training concluded aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) July 1.

The training, led by Stennis Senior enlisted and commissioned personnel, was in accordance with NAVADMIN 156/13 and NAVADMIN 158/13 requiring fleet wide completion by July 1.

“It [SAPR training] emphasized the need for a positive culture change,” said Cmdr. Kevin Dowd, Stennis’ weapons department head and a SAPR facilitator. “It is an all hands effort to eradicate sexual assault within our ranks and this training helps re-emphasize DoD standards.”

For many, this training was an opportunity to engage in the fleet wide focus on sexual assault preventative measures and reporting procedures.

“Sailors need to be aware of their resources and their responsibilities,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Caleb Hyland, a command SAPR victim advocate. “This training talks about both protecting the rights of victims as well as ensuring they get the proper care and help that they need.”

According to the 2012 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey of active duty members, more than 26,000 service members across the DoD experienced unwanted sexual contact. Of the estimated 26,000, only 2,949 were reported to DoD authorities.

“The training brings the issue of lack of reporting to the forefront as a command priority and helps to cultivate a command climate where victims have the confidence to report assaults and are secure in the knowledge that command leadership will do what is right,” said Dowd.

Sexual assault affects Navy readiness, and the Navy is committed to preventing sexual assault. Join the Navy’s conversation about sexual assault on social media and help raise awareness by using #NavySAPR.

For more information and resources on combating sexual assault visit www.sapr.navy.mil.
For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit www.stennis.navy.mil and www.facebook.com/stennis 74.

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