U.S. ARMY GARRISON - Detroit Arsenal, Mich. - The U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program staff recently completed its initial first responder mock drill to walk through the process of responding to a sexual assault.
The drill, organized and executed by SAPR program staff, volunteers and a local partner agency, provided an opportunity to refine the program's procedures as well as hone the skills of first responders.
The SAPR program provides training and education to Soldiers, family members and civilians about sexual assault and personal safety along with general information on the policies of the DoD that address the issue of sexual assault in the Military.
The SAPR program also offers comprehensive advocacy services to active duty military victims of sexual assault. The program, managed through Army Community Service, maintains a 24-hour confidential crisis line where sexual assault victims can reach a trained unit victim advocate for information, support, and services.
The Mock Drill created a staged setting which provided an opportunity for the unit victim advocates to walk through the process of responding to a sexual assault. The process included: the initial intervention, explanation of restricted and unrestricted reporting options, advocacy at the forensic exam site and role playing with a mock victim.
An after-drill debriefing highlighted all aspects of the drill, providing valuable information which will be used to streamline the protocols and procedures of the SAPR program.
"Today's drill highlighted the tremendous importance of readiness by taking a look at the delivery of victim services step by step" said Edwin Morales-Aviles, director Army Community Services. "We have a dedicated staff of unit victim advocates that are ready to advocate for victims of sexual assault and walk them through a event professionally and compassionately."
If you would like information about, or would like to become involved with the SAPR program, please contact the U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal SARC staff at <strong>586-282-0476</strong>. To report an incident of sexual assault confidentially, please call the SAPR Hotline at <strong>313-269-0199</strong>.
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