#SAAM: Expedited Transfer Option Available to Sexual Assault Victims

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy service members who have been the victim of sexual assault and have filed an unrestricted report have the option to request an expedited transfer from their unit, according to NAVADMIN 132/12, released April 20.

This NAVADMIN follows guidance released by the Department of Defense Dec. 16, 2011, which announced new policies and procedures to expedite the transfer of a service member who files an unrestricted report of sexual assault.

"We realize there are times when it's in the best interest of both the victim and the Navy to expedite a transfer," said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk. "Sailors need to understand this option and based upon their particular circumstances, request it."

Sailors who have been the victim of sexual assault and have filed an unrestricted report may request an expedited transfer from their unit and/or installation. Commanders must approve or recommend disapproval of the expedited transfer request within 72 hours of receiving the request. In making the decision on whether to recommend transfer, commanding officers must determine the credibility of the report, and consider other factors, as outlined in the NAVADMIN, including the potential transfer of the alleged offender.

Any disapproval recommendation by commanders must immediately be forwarded, along with the reasons for the recommendation, in writing, to the first flag officer in the chain of command.

A Sailor's request may only be disapproved by the first flag officer in the member's chain of command, or a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES).

A request to transfer must come from the Sailor in writing and include the reason for transfer. The transfer may be temporary or permanent, within or outside the command or to another geographic area.

A request for a permanent change of station transfer out of the area of the victim's permanent duty station is to be granted on an exceptional basis, according to the NAVADMIN.

For more information on the expedited transfer policy read NAVADMIN 132/12 at www.npc.navy.mil.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response is an important element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Department of the Navy is working to aggressively to prevent sexual assaults, to support sexual assault victims, and to hold offenders accountable.

Help raise awareness by joining the conversation on social media using #SAAM.

For more information about the prevention of sexual assault, visit http://www.sapr.navy.mil.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.