The US Navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program was launched in order to meet the needs of the victims within the maritime industry.
According to the US Navy:
Sexual assaults encompass a broad range of intentional sexual contacts that are unwelcome and without consent. The most serious sexual assaults, include rape, sodomy, and forced forms of sex. No form of sexual assault is ever acceptable in the Department of the Navy, and all are crimes.
In fact, services are available to victims regardless of whether the victim knows the offender, and regardless of where and when the assault took place.
Through the program, US Navy emphasizes the responsibility of all Sailors and Marines to protect each other and to actively intervene in circumstances that may lead up to sexual assault.
Prevent and respond to sexual assault, eliminating it from our ranks through a balance of focused education, comprehensive response, compassionate advocacy, and just adjudication in order to promote professionalism, respect, and trust, while preserving Navy mission readiness.
…U.S. Navy added.
Furthermore, the program provides guidance to those who supervise someone who has been sexually assaulted and discusses steps to establish safety, preserve evidence and get support.
