USMC Annual Sexual Assault Prevention Training

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USMC Annual Sexual Assault Prevention Training

• Understanding SexualAssault

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Overview

• Sexual Assault Defined
• Marine Corps Order 1752.5
• Myths and Facts
• Offender Characteristics
• Sexual Assault Trauma Syndrome
• Risk Reduction Suggestions
• Reporting Procedures

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Sexual Harassment vs. Sexual Assault

• Sexual harassment is covered under Equal
  Opportunity Laws
• Sexual assault is covered under criminal laws
  (UCMJ)

Sexual assault is not reported as often as sexual
harassment
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DoD Definition

• Sexual assault is defined as intentional
  sexual contact, characterized by the use of
  force, physical threat or abuse of authority or
  when the victim does not or cannot consent.

Sexual Assault is a Crime
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DoD Definition

• Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual
  sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault
  (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or
  fondling), or attempts to commit these acts
• Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender
  or spousal relationship or age of victim

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DoD Definition

• Consent shall not be deemed or construed to
  mean the failure by the victim to offer physical
  resistance
• Consent is not given when a person uses force,
  threat of force, coercion or when the victim is
  asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious

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Sexual Assault Includes

• Rape
• Sodomy
• Indecent Assault
• Attempting the above acts

All forms of sexual assault are crimes
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Impact on Readiness

• Diminishes the reputation and prestige of the
  Marine Corps
• Creates serious morale problems
• Destroys esprit de corps
• Trauma for victims can create short-term as well
  as life-long problems
• Impacts everyone in the unit

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Marine Corps Order 1752.5

• Zero tolerance for sexual assault
• Sexual assault is a criminal act
• Victims have access to appropriate assistance
• Perpetrators of sexual assault will be prosecuted
  to the fullest extent of the law

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In the Civilian World

• Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted
  in the United States
• One out of six women (18), and one out of 33 men
  (3)

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In the Civilian World

• Most at-risk age group is 16-24
• Non-strangers committed 74 of the assaults
• Less than 13 of the assaults were reported to
  the police

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Sexual Assault in Society

• Wisconsin Teen Survey2000
• 18 said if a guy buys a girl dinner, he has the
  right to have sex with her
• 42 believe if a girl or guy have been drinking
  are a little drunk, it isnt sexual assault if he
  forces her to have sex
• 44 believe if there was prior consensual sex, it
  is not assault if he forces her later
• 48 said that if a female consented and then
  later changed her mind and he had sex with her
  anyway, it wasnt assault
• Boston High School Student Survey2002
• 7 of males ok to force female to have sex on a
  date
• 11 ok if girl was drunk
• 15 ok to use force if girl consented and then
  changed mind

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Offender Characteristics

• 49.9 are between 21-29 years of age
• 71 are under the influence of alcohol
• 85 of cases involved no weapon other than hands,
  fists or feet

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Common Themes in the Military

• Alcohol use/abuse
• Acquaintance or co-worker
• Consent is muddy issue
• I didnt want to..but didnt say anything
• She didnt say no
• She said no but I thought she was kidding
• Both victim and alleged perpetrator are commonly
  junior in rank and in their 20s

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Common Themes

• Victims are young, impressionable, eager to
  belong, very sensitive to peer pressure, isolated
  from friends and family
• Eager to prove themselves
• Offenders may suffer from the shining star
  syndrome, you mean this applies to me?
• Both hear lots of dos and donts while striving
  for independence
• Both look to their immediate supervisors and
  leaders to set the tone

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Do You Know the Facts?

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Myth or Fact?

• Sexual Assault is a crime of passion
• Myth
• The sex offenders are usually a stranger lurking
  in a dark alley
• Myth

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Myth or Fact?

• An offender targets someone based on their age,
  physical attributes, or dress.
• Myth
• 4. Women secretly want to be sexually assaulted.
• Myth

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Myth or Fact?
Myth or Fact?

• Women say no, but mean yes
• Myth
• Men cannot be sexually assaulted
• Myth

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Myth or Fact?

• If a victim has had prior consensual sex with an
  attacker or agrees to go somewhere private, then
  it is not a crime.
• Myth

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Why Do These Myths Matter?

• Victims are not believed
• Cases are not investigated properly
• Offenders may repeat their crime

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Who Are The Offenders?

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The Stereotype

• Looks threatening
• Carries some type of weapon
• Stalks victim like a predator
• Attacks at night in parks and dark streets, or
  breaking into homes
• Leaves the victim physically brutalized
• Is a stranger

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The Reality

• Can and does look like "any one
• Could be of any rank, any race, any age, a top
  performer, outstanding athlete, or the "good"
  Samaritan who offers help
• Is the good looking Marine you meet
• Former boyfriend/girlfriend who still has access
  to your living quarters

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Reminders for Evaluating Risk

• A well-liked or squared away Marine does not mean
  the accused is telling the truth
• Engaging in high risk behaviors does not mean the
  victim is lying or was deserving of the assault

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The Undetected Offender Non- Stranger

• Motto
• I am going to have sex tonight. If it is
  consensual, fine. But I am going to have sex
  tonight.
• Uses only the amount of violence actually needed
  to accomplish the goal of having sex

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Sample question asked of 1,882 men

• Have you ever had sexual intercourse with an
  adult when they didnt want to because you used
  physical force if they did not cooperate?

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Video

• The Frank Tape

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Dr. David Lisaks Research Results

• Of the 1,882 men assessed, 120 were by definition
  a rapist
• 483 total sexual assaults
• Only one case was reported
• Average of four sexual assaults per offender

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Types of Sexual Assault

• Non-Stranger
• Stranger
• Gang
• Male

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The Victims Perspective

• One of the most difficult things about
  understanding sexual assault is that some people
  see rape as bad sex.
• From the victims perspective, the act of sexual
  assault bears almost no resemblance to the act of
  sex.
• Victims experience rape as a terrifying trauma
  where they often fear for their lives.

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Putting the Challenges into Context
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Sexual Assault Trauma Syndrome

• Victims have common reactions to sexual trauma
• Reactions can be physical and emotional
• Reactions are sometimes misinterpreted
• Victims can be revictimized or retraumatized

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Unique issues for male victims

• Often suffer profoundly from the idea that to be
  sexually assaulted is to lose one's manhood
• Often confuse sexual assault victimization with
  homosexual identity
• May request a female officer, insist that they
  were "assaulted" (denying the sexual component),
  or refuse to speak to a victim advocate
• May aggressively assert their masculinity or
  heterosexuality following the assault

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Is Sexual Assault Preventable?
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Risk Reduction Tips

• Know where you are at all times
• Act like you know where you are going
• Communicate your needs and wishes clearly
• Be assertive
• Avoid isolated situations and secluded places

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Risk Reduction Tips

• Use the buddy system
• Trust your gut instincts or intuition
• Be aware that the use of drugs or alcohol
  increases vulnerability (but does not cause
  sexual assault)
• Always watch your drink and never leave it
  unattended. Dont accept beverages from someone
  you dont know or trust.

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The Message for Female Marines

• Be clear with the men in your life about what, if
  any, sexual behavior you are consenting to
• Speak up if anything makes you feel uncomfortable
• Practice situational awareness, and If you feel
  uneasy or uncomfortable, get out
• Always watch your drink and never leave it
  unattended. Dont accept beverages from someone
  you dont know or trust.

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The message for Female Marines

• Important questions to consider
• What is his reputation among his peers or
  coworkers? Is he known as a ladies man?
• Does his group of male friends have a reputation
  for sexual conquests?
• Has he ever been accused of sexual misconduct?
• Does he have a reputation for trying to get his
  dates drunk?

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The Message for Male Marines

• Never assume to know what a woman wants. Check
  all sexual activity out verbally. If you feel you
  are getting a double message, say so. If she
  says she is not sure, assume the answer is no
  and let it go.
• If a woman says maybe, but then decides no,
  take no for an answer.
• Under any circumstances, never think a woman owes
  you sex.
• Accept a womans decision when she says no.

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The message for Male Marines

• Understand that is a woman is under the influence
  and you have sex with her without her consent, it
  is still sexual assault

Unconscious Victim Sexual Penetration Sexual
Assault Incapacitated Victim Sexual Penetration
Sexual Assault
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The message for Male Marines

• Without a clear yes, pressing on can result in
• Tarnished image with peers, family, co-workers,
  and unit
• Emotional strain of being accused
• Stress of investigation
• Potential legal consequences

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As a Leader

• Create a climate that is respectful to all
• Become thoroughly familiar with Marine Corps
  policy regarding sexual assault
• Do not allow the behavior of a few to tarnish the
  prestige of the Marine Corps
• Interrupt inappropriate behavior
• Cut off sexually demeaning story-telling, joking
  or bantering

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As a Leader (Continued)

• Hold all accountable for sexually demeaning and
  aggressive behavior
• Report all incidents of sexual assault to the
  Provost Marshall and the command
• Become familiar with the resources in your
  community

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The Message for All
Alcohol and drug use on the part of the offender
and/or the victim is one of the most important
factors that contribute to acquaintance/date rape
Drink responsibly!
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The Message For ALL

• Do not blame the victim!
• Hold the offender accountable for their
  inappropriate behavior!
• Encourage reporting to reduce the risk to all
  since sex offenders continue to assault until
  they are caught.

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Reporting a Suspected Sexual Assault
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Background

• SECNAVINST 1752.4 (Sexual Assault Prevention and
  Response)
• MCO 1752.5 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
  Program
• ALMAR 053/04
• MARADMIN 175/05
• MARADMIN 248/05
• MARADMIN 490/05

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Mandatory Reporting

• All Marines are mandatory reporters of actual,
  suspected, or alleged sexual assaults
• Exception Uniformed Victim Advocates (UVAs),
  Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs),
  Chaplains, and DoD Medical Personnel.

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Reporting Options

• Unrestricted
• PMO, CDO
• NCIS
• An active duty member
• Restricted Reporting
• UVA
• SARC
• Medical
• Chaplain
• MFS Counselors

Restricted Reporting means that a victim can
receive advocacy support, medical treatment,
and counseling services without triggering an
investigation.
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If you or someone you know has been sexually
assaulted

• Get to a safe place
• Call a victim advocate who can help you
• Preserve evidence
• Get medical attention

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Reporting Requirements

• Commanding officers shall ensure that all
  suspected, alleged, or actual incidents involving
  sexual assault are reported to the installation
  military police
• If the assault occurred on property not under DoD
  jurisdiction, the victim may choose whether or
  not to notify civilian or military law
  enforcement officials

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Victim Assistance
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Marine Corps Response According to MCO 1700-24B,
Chapter 5

• Under the auspices of Marine Family Services, a
  Coordinated Community Response is available upon
  every installation and includes victim advocacy
  and sexual assault response services
• Under MCO 1752.5 victims may seek assistance from
  Marine Family Services without reporting the
  assault

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According to MCO 1752.5

• Rape and sexual assaults are serious and violent
  criminal acts. Accordingly, victims of these
  crimes will be treated with respect, dignity and
  in such a manner that their privacy is maintained
  to the maximum extent possible.
• The Counseling Services primary role is to
  ensure victim safety and support. Victim
  advocates and clinical staff may provide
  treatment without reporting but will encourage
  the victim to report.

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Assistance is Available

• Marine Family Services
• Support rape and sexual assault prevention and
  education initiatives on the installation
• Provide 24-hour crisis intervention and treatment
  services
• Provide advocacy and support services to
  victims and their family members

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Role of Counseling Services

• Provide clinical counseling and referral
• Provide victims with information on victims
  rights and services
• Provide victims with options concerning their
  involvement with investigative/legal personnel
• Support command in ensuring the victim is
  reasonably protected from the accused
• Encourage the victim to seek medical services
• Advise the victim of options to reporting

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Uniformed Victim Advocates

• The USMC Victim Advocates provide information,
  guidance and support to military survivors of
  sexual assault
• Are available in combat theatres and other
  deployed environments

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Contact Information

• Help is available 24 hours, 7 days a week and 365
  days a year for victims of sexual assault
  Military One Source 800-342-9647
• Contact the local Marine Family Services, BAS,
  CSH, or local MTF for assistance during duty
  hours
• After duty hours contact the local Military
  Police (unrestricted reports) or Military One
  Source (restricted reports), who will refer you
  to a Victim Advocate for assistance and support

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Uniformed Victim Advocates

• UVAs represent the command as an advocate 24/7,
  as a collateral duty to support military victims
  of sexual assault
• All of the following are required to provide a
  minimum 2 UVAs
• Deployable Battalions, Squadrons, and Equivalent
  Size Commands
• Marine Forces Reserve
• Training Education Commands
• UVAs provide initial support and a warm handoff
  to an installation Victim Advocate for ongoing
  case management

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Sexual Assault Hotlines

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center
  877-739-3895 (toll free) (24 hour access to
  information, resources, and research regarding
  sexual assault)
• Rape, Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN)
  635-B Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Washington, DC
  20003 800-656-HOPE(Note This number will
  connect you to your local rape crisis center.)
• Military One Source
• CONUS 800-342-9647
• OCONUS 800-237-42374

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Understanding Sexual Assault
Questions?
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Acknowledgements

• Successfully Investigating Acquaintance Sexual
  AssaultA National Training Manual for Law
  Enforcement, 2001
• Violence Against Women Online Resources
• http//www.vaw.umn.edu/documents/acquaintsa/acquai
  ntsa.html
• Bureau or Justice Statistics
• http//www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center
• http//www.nsvrc.org/
• Office of Victims of Crime
• http//www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/
• SAPRO WEBSITE
• http//www.usmc-mccs.org/sapro/

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Resources

• Jenice Staniford, Section Head, [phone]
• Jenice.staniford_at_usmc.mil
• Maj Alexander, Training Coordinator, (703)
  432-9073
• Douglas.alexander_at_usmc.mil
• SSgt Ramos, Database Coordinator, [phone]
• Luis.a.ramos2_at_usmc.mil
• Rachael Abernathy, Admin Asst, [phone]
• Rachael.abernathy_at_usmc.mil