Studies have shown that one in four women and one in six men will be the victim of a sexual assault in their lifetimes. This is one of the fastest growing violent crimes in the U.S. and we need to ensure we engage now to stop a shipmate from becoming a victim.

Let’s take a minute and delve a little deeper into what exactly sexual assault is. Sexual assault is sexual intimacy that is threatened or forced on one person by another. That includes rape, date rape, marital rape (yes, a spouse forcing the other to have sexual contact is very much illegal), sodomy, indecent assault, and same gender sexual assault.

I think recognizing indecent assault is where the line may become blurry for many. I’ve learned about Sailors being groped who didn’t press charges because they didn’t feel it was severe enough to be a sexual assault, though simply being touched in an inappropriate sexual manner is the very definition of indecent assault!

The Navy’s goal is to eliminate sexual assault incidents and provide the safest possible environment for personnel. This may seem like a big task, but there are precautions both men and women can take to reduce these incidents and increase overall safety.  Here are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Passiveness and submissiveness can create a climate for sexual aggressiveness. You have the right to express your feelings and wishes and should do so verbally and clearly. Say “no,” if you are unsure. If you become uncomfortable, say you want to stop. Being polite could put you in jeopardy, so be loud, clear and to the point!

You have the right to make choices about your behavior and the right to expect those choices be respected. Believe that your body belongs to you - only you can choose what you want, and you don’t have to do anything that you don’t want. When you’re going out, use the buddy system and when you do, ensure you stick to it.  Know what situations might lead to sexual assault and who potential perpetrators are. 

The things that are needed in order to sexually assault someone are: privacy, opportunity and vulnerability. Don’t give in to them.

Don’t leave your drink unattended and drink only from unopened cans and bottles. Drink what you have prepared yourself and avoid group drinks like punch.

If your initial “no,” does not stop an attack, yell and try to physically get out of the situation.

Spend time with someone new while you are with a group of people before deciding to be alone with him or her. Set sexual limits and communicate those clearly. Do not give mixed messages. This can lead to an unintentional sexual assault, which neither you, nor the assailant, wants.

A key to preventing unintentional assault is to understand what it is - assaults that occur due to miscommunications.

Know the definitions of sexual assault. Understand that “no,” means no, whether it is said harshly or flirtatiously. Don’t rely on nonverbal communication for your direction - just because someone is intoxicated and kissing you, doesn’t mean the individual wants to have sex.

It is never acceptable to force your sexual wishes on a partner, even if you think they want you to do it. If you use or imply force or threats to have sex, you are committing rape, even if you know the person and have had sex with them before. And stay sober! If a person appears to like you, they will like you sober too.

I really think the most important thing I can talk about here is that alcohol and drugs are often related to acquaintance rape. These substances can blur messages and reduce judgment and self-control. If you drink, don’t drink to excess where you might blackout or lose control of yourself and be unable to get out of unwanted situations.

As a victim, you are not at fault and should know your rights. You have the right to respect for your privacy and be treated fairly; be protected from the accused offender; be notified of and be present at all court proceedings related to the offense; confer with an attorney; seek restitution; have information about conviction, sentencing, imprisonment and release of the offender.

This is one subject I hate to write an article about, but I think it’s important for us to protect each other from those deviants who lay in wait for opportunity.  Hopefully by reading this and taking the discussed preventative steps you will take the opportunity away. 

I’m not talking just to Sailors here. This is a growing crime in society, and we need to ensure our entire Navy team (Sailors, family, civilians) know how to protect themselves. 

I recently sent out to the Fleet and Force Master Chiefs an outstanding Sexual Assault Awareness Plan designed by 7th Fleet.  If you have not seen this or desire a copy, contact those master chiefs so we can get the data to you.

I know by using the plan and some common sense, we can significantly reduce the incidence of this crime Navywide. The biggest deterrent is knowledge. Our team cannot allow these crimes to continue - we are better than that.