Barriers to Reporting Sexual Assault

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Barriers to Reporting Sexual Assault

• Bette Stebbins, MSCP, CA
• Senior Victim Care Advisor
• DoD SAPRO

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Agenda

• Department of Defense Data
• Barriers to Reporting
• Overcoming the Barriers
• Other Barriers

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DoD Data

• Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC)
• DoD Inspector General
• Task Force on Care for Victims
• Defense Task Force on Sexual Harassment
  Violence at the Military Service Academies
• 2006 Annual Report

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Barriers to Reporting

• Concerns that they will not be believed
• Feelings of embarrassment and stigma
• Concerns that the criminal justice system is
  largely ineffective at responding to or
  preventing such incidents
• Fear of reprisal from the offender
• Concern of career impact

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Overcoming the Barriers
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Overcoming the Barriers

• Concern that they will not be believed
• YOU and the VA believe them
• Identify any mistreatment of victim by others
• NEVER let a sexual assault victim be referred to
  as an alleged victim

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Overcoming the Barriers

• Feelings of embarrassment and stigma
• Incorporate this barrier into your training
• This concern is normal
• Sexual Assault is NEVER your fault
• Once reported you will assist the command with
  protecting their privacy
• Listen to their concerns and advocate on their
  behalf

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Overcoming the Barriers

• Concerns that the criminal justice system is
  largely ineffective at responding to or
  preventing such incidents
• Learn the system
• Manage expectations
• Contact the VWAP immediately in Unrestricted
  Reports

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Overcoming the Barriers

• Fear of reprisal from the offender
• Discuss protection options
• Understand Victims Rights
• Gain the victims trust
• Know who to call

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Overcoming the Barriers

• Concern of career impact
• Reality of Counseling
• Policy guidance on Reprisal
• Victims Administrative Separations Reviewed
• Listen to their concerns and advocate on their
  behalf

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Other Barriers

• What are you hearing?
• Why are victims choosing not to convert to
  Unrestricted Reporting?

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Contact Info

• DoD SAPRO
• 1401 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 402
• Arlington, VA 22209
• 703-696-8788
• Bette.Stebbins_at_wso.whs.mil
• www.sapr.mil