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News | July 5, 2017

DoD Launches Online Program to Help Military and Civilian Survivors of Sexual Assault

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

The Defense Department has launched an online and mobile educational program to help individuals begin to recover, heal and build resiliency after a sexual assault. The program is available to both military members and civilian employees in DoD agencies. 

The self-guided program, called, “Building Hope and Resiliency: Addressing the Effects of Sexual Assault,” can be completed at the user’s pace and features information about coping mechanisms, practical relaxation exercises, definitions, links to resources and referrals for ongoing support.

Supporting Victims of Sexual Abuse, Assault

In order to support victims, the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, via a contract with the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), developed and deployed this anonymous, self-guided educational program on the Safe Helpline.

Recognizing the impact that trauma can have on an individual, this program is part of a comprehensive effort to enhance individual and collective resilience and improve readiness across the department. Users can take a brief, optional self-assessment to gauge the effectiveness of their current coping strategies and whether they may benefit from additional support and resources.

Innovative Tools

As SAPRO and RAINN continue to seek ways to support survivors, innovative tools like Building Hope offer a safe, convenient and private way to empower individuals in their healing journey.

Members of the DoD community who have been affected by sexual assault can access confidential, anonymous support 24/7, through the DoD Safe Helpline at https://safehelpline.org/ or by calling 877-995-5247.

Users can learn about and anonymously access the online program both on a computer and on a mobile device. To access the program, a user can visit the Building Hope page on the Safe Helpline website, https://safehelpline.org/building-hope-and-resiliency.

Users can also access the online program directly through the Safe Helpline app page titled, “Building Hope” in the “Learn” section of the app. To learn more about the Safe Helpline app and how to download it to your mobile device visit https://www.safehelpline.org/about-mobile.

*NOTE: DLA employees can learn more about the agency’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program via the program’s website, http://www.dla.mil/Info/SAPR.aspx, or reach a sexual assault response coordinator (SARC) 24/7 at 1-800-841-0937.