Sailors,
Marines, Soldiers and civilian personnel welcomed Dr. Anne Munch to the
Korean Peninsula to conduct Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
training Jan. 27 at the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan base theatre.
Hosted by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, the training focused on
providing a closer look at victims, offenders and the role of bystanders
in preventing sexual assaults.
“Sexual assault is a complicated topic but prevention is everybody’s
job,” said Munch. “We need to give bystanders and victims the knowledge
and the tools to step up and get involved. We need to discuss the
truth of what this problem looks like.”
With 25 years of experience as a career prosecutor and advocate for
victims of domestic violence, Munch has worked extensively on the
development of SAPR programs for the U.S. military. Munch said she uses
her professional experiences and knowledge to deliver training that she
describes as realistic and sometimes uncomfortable.
“We wanted to bring in one of the very best specialists and were quite
fortunate and grateful to have Dr. Anne Munch here with us today,” said
Capt. Robert Sparrock, CNFK chief of staff. “We want to end the climate
where sexual assaults can exist and today was a step in that
direction.”
Using recorded 911 calls and video interviews with sex offenders,
Munch’s training strived to increase awareness and understanding while
fulfilling a mandatory Navy training requirement.
“Anne Munch’s emphasis on the importance of bystander intervention was great,” said Operations Specialist 1st
Class Charlotte Fowler, CNFK command SAPR advocate. “She really gave
us perspective about how one simple question as a bystander can save a
potential victim. It’s really important for shipmates to look after
shipmates.”
Munch is also scheduled to speak with U.S. Sailors and civilians at
Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae before flying back to the United
States.
Sexual Assault affects Navy readiness, and the Navy is committed to
preventing sexual assault. Join the Navy’s conversation about sexual
assault on social media and help raise awareness by using #NavySAPR.
For more information and resources to combat sexual assault, visit http://www.sapr.navy.mil