Training Overview

The Department of Defense’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program focuses on:

• Preventing sexual assault
• Improving a victim’s access to service
• Increasing the frequency and quality of information provided to the victim regarding all aspects of his or her case
• Expediting the proper handling and resolution of a sexual assault case

The key to prevention is ensuring everyone understands their role and responsibilities in preventing sexual assault. A consistent, vigorous training and education element is crucial.

Active Bystander Training

SARCs and VAs can use the guides in this section in training and briefing sessions.

Training Servicemembers & Commanders

All military personnel are responsible for preventing and responding to sexual assault. For this reason, Service member training takes place at multiple levels: department-wide baseline training, accession training, deployment training, SAAM Campaign training, civilian supervisor training and commander training.

Training Civilians

To better serve military sexual assault victims, community-based sexual assault programs can take advantage of the Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships to Respond to Sexual Assault training course.