Navy Stands Down, Addresses Sexual Assault Awareness

The Navy is directing all to conduct a sexual assault prevention and response stand-down, which began June 10 and will continue through July 1. Reserve units and deployed personnel must complete the stand-down by July 22. "All personnel will understand their accountability and role in reducing with the goal of eliminating sexual assault from the Navy, fostering a command climate of dignity and respect, and upholding our core values of honor, courage and commitment," Navy personnel chief Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk said in a June 7 statement. During the stand-down, commanders are to conduct at least two hours of instruction addressing the goals Van Buskirk outlined. All sailors must attend the instruction sessions. Recruiters, sexual-assault response coordinators and nurse examiners, chaplains, military lawyers, criminal investigators, Family Support Center counselors, and victims’ advocates also will receive additional training and guidance. Details are available in NAVADMIN 156/13 and 158/13, at www.navy.mil on the Web.