As part of the continuing 'Did you Know' series from Department of the Navy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (DON SAPRO), Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret Grun Kibben sat down and talked with us recently about the Chaplain Corps' role in sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) - Watch the full the video here.

"The Chaplain Corps is a first responder in many situations that deal with the health and welfare of an individual," said Kibben. "Whether it's a Sailor; whether it's a family member; we really see ourselves as on the frontline, helping people to understand that they have somebody that they can go to when something has happened.

Sexual assault affects safety and readiness of all service members, destroying trust and degrading our Navy-Marine Corps Team. Each Marine and Sailor plays a critical role in preventing and responding to sexual assault. It is essential for all of us to know and do our part, knowing when and where to intervene to stop the crime.

In addition to providing pastoral care, chaplains can provide a safe atmosphere that reduces fear and anxiety and helps the victim re-establish a sense of personal control and self-determination - all with 100 percent confidentiality.

Chaplains also come alongside to help survivors navigate the path to further assistance with other partners in care.

"Chaplains know the system, we know what's available to the Sailor," explained Kibben. "We're there to help to guide people to where they can get assistance, whatever that assistance looks. Whether its medical assistance, mental health assistance or guiding them to someone with whom they can make a restricted or unrestricted report."

Chaplains are also there to step into the fray and be an advocate for an individual in cases of retaliation in the command.

The reason chaplains do not receive restricted or unrestricted reports is because of their unique role to provide confidential pastoral care to both survivors and potentially perpetrators who are trying to come to terms with what they've done. Chaplains can be a moral voice to help perpetrators return to the lifelines of honor, courage, and commitment, enabling them to do their part to address the problem.

"Chaplains have a unique relationship with Sailors, Marines and their families," said Ms. Jill Loftus, Director, DON SAPRO. "A critical partner, advocate and command resource, Navy chaplains help reinforce who we are, what we stand for, and the core values we each embody: honor, courage, and commitment. They provide invaluable assistance and guidance for Sailors and Marines afloat, ashore and across the globe. They remind us of our common humanity and what it means to know your part and do your part."

The Department of the Navy is committed to a culture of dignity and respect for all, where sexual harassment and assault are not tolerated and ultimately eliminated; a culture where all sexual assault survivors receive support and protection from retaliation; and a culture where offenders are held appropriately accountable. The Chaplain Corps plays a crucial role in those efforts.

Plain and simple: There is nothing honorable or courageous about allowing sexual assault to happen. Every Sailor and Marine plays a key role in holding each other accountable to our core values and standards of conduct and creating an environment free from sexual assault.

Check out the links below for additional information, references and resources:

-Learn more about 100% confidentiality with chaplains here:http://www.navy.mil/local/crb/Confidentiality.asp
-Call 1-855-NAVY-311 to connect with a chaplain in your area.
-DoD Safe Helpline http://www.safehelpline.org/understanding-sexual-assault.cfm
-DoN SAPR http://www.donsapro.navy.mil
-Navy site http://www.navy.mil/sapr
-National Sexual Violence Resource Center http://www.nsvrc.org/
-Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) http://rainn.org/