Sexual Assault and Prevention Response (SAPR) is a Navy awareness program with a mission to prevent and respond to sexual assault, and eliminate it from the ranks.

The SAPR team aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) strives to accomplish this mission through education, comprehensive response, compassionate advocacy and fair resolution, in order to promote professionalism, respect and trust, while preserving Navy mission readiness.

There are currently 19 credentialed victim advocates (VA) aboard Ike, as well as a VA on-call.

"We make sure the command is in compliance with the Navy SAPR regulations and we make sure we have enough SAPR VAs to assist all of our Sailors," said Chief Logistics Specialist Claudia Ohar, Ike's SAPR point of contact (POC). "We also ensure all of our Sailors receive the initial SAPR training every year."

Ohar said SAPR VAs go through an extensive interview process to be considered for the position. They must first receive a recommendation from their chain of command by routing a special request chit. After their department head gives approval, the Sailors are interviewed by Ohar or Chief Interior Communications Electrician Sal Nacci, the second of Ike's SAPR POCs.

"Some of the main qualities that we look for in a VA are integrity, trustworthiness and maturity level," Ohar said. "Depending on the severity of the case, being an advocate can be very stressful. It's important for the advocates to be mature enough to handle that kind of stress and responsibility."

After a prospect's interview with Ohar or Nacci, he or she will have a secondary interview with the sexual response coordinator assigned to the Ike.

"If all of those interviews go well, they can then attend the SAPR VA training," said Ohar.

Ohar was clear on her point that there is a distinct difference between SAPR victim advocates and POCs.

"The advocate is for the Sailors. Through VAs the report will remain restricted," she said. "POCs can point Sailors to the VAs, but if they tell me about an incident, I am obligated to report it to the chain of command."

Ohar stressed that it is crucial for victims of sexual assault to take the initial step and report the crime.

"I highly encourage Sailors to at least file a restricted report and talk to someone," Ohar said. "When they are ready emotionally, physically and mentally, they can take the next step to go unrestricted and obtain justice."

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