Sexual assault awareness 'Shine the Light' event spotlights issue in Coronado
4/28/2011
by MC3 Christopher S. Johnson
CORONADO - Service members and civilians from Naval Base Coronado's Sexual Assault Response and Prevention (SAPR) program recognized the end of Sexual Assault Awareness Month with the Shine the Light on Sexual Violence event at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., April 28.

The event's purpose was to shed light on the problems caused by sexual assault, and to keep the light shining as a beacon of hope to all affected by it, said Jeannette Casillas, Naval Base Coronado's sexual assault response coordinator (SARC).

"As SARCs, our duty is to provide training and guidance to victim advocates, commanding officers, command master chiefs and provide points of contact to ensure everyone is prepared to do their job to help victims of sexual assault," said Casillas.

Sexual assaults are being addressed more frequently, and many victims are starting to gather the courage, confidence and strength to stand up for themselves, said Chief Air-Traffic Controller Alea Creighton, a victim advocate in the SAPR program.

"Since 2005, the SAPR program has grown and is definitely doing its job," said Creighton. "The members of SAPR are a support system. Victims often feel scared and alone, but we help them deal with the anger. We listen to them, encourage them and do anything possible to bring back their ability to trust again."

According to the fiscal year 2010 Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, there were 170 restricted reports of sexual assault, including 28 that converted to unrestricted, for a year-end total of 142, a 2 percent decrease from 2009 to 2010.

Restricted reports allow victims of sexual assault to confidentially disclose the crime to specific individuals and receive medical treatment and counseling without an official investigation. Unrestricted reports lead toward an official investigation of the crime.

For more information on sexual assault prevention and response, visit www.navy.mil/navydata/sapr/index.htm or contact your local SAPR representative.