More than 85 Navy Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC) from across the globe gathered for training at the Admiral Gooding Center on the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15.

Maj. Gen. Camille M. Nichols, director of the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (DoD SAPRO), provided opening remarks for the three-day training, and emphasized the importance of the program and the good work being done to help address this important issue.

"The reporting of sexual assaults is up and that is great," said Nichols. "That shows trust and confidence [in the program], and shows that you, the SARCs, are out there helping to care for the victims. So, confidence in our military structure and processes is very important."

Working to support Sailors around the world, SARCs manage the more than 4,000 victim advocates. During the performance of advocacy duties, they have oversight of all sexual assault cases for their commands, assign a victim advocate to a case, conduct sexual assault case management, and oversee training and education for victim advocates and the community. SARCs serve as a single point of contact for coordinating care to ensure that victims of a sexual assault receive appropriate and responsive care, which is mandated by DoD policy.

According to Tammy O'Rourke, Navy Installation Command's sexual assault prevention and response program manager, the annual training is important to provide policy updates and continuous improvement to the program.

"We are able to bring the SARCs together from around the world and provide policy and program updates, skill building techniques, facilitation techniques to teach Sailors about sexual assault, and introduce a policy panel to provide answers to the SARCs questions about current policies and issues," said O'Rourke.

Lauren Walton, a SARC for Naval Station Mayport, Fla., stressed the importance of relationships.

"It is a really great opportunity for all the SARCs to come together and feel a little bit of comraderie and also learn from each other their best practices and challenges. It also allows us to feel supported by our regions and the commander for Navy Installations Command," said Walton.

Vice Adm. Dixon Smith, commander, Navy Installations Command spoke to the SARCs about the importance of their mission.

"Where we are today is because of your efforts day in and day out," he said. "I am here to thank you for that. Well done."

Smith concluded his remarks by recognizing Sharlyne Hays, SARC for Naval Base Kitsap, Wash., as the CNIC SARC of the Year for 2015. She was of 10 outstanding SARCs who were nominated for the award.

This year marks the second annual training symposium. Additional keynote speakers will be at the forefront throughout the training include Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

For more information on the Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program visit https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program/sexual_assault_prevention_and_response.html

For more information about Navy shore installations visit www.cnic.navy.mil.

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/.