The First Step on the Path to Reporting and Accessing Services

Objectives Objective 1: Identify the benefits of Safe Helpline to local SAPR service providers and as a valuable resource to survivors. Objective 2: Explain how the unique services available on the Safe Helpline meet the needs of survivors. Objective 3: Differentiate between anonymity and confidentiality and list the benefits of each as well as describe the protective technology and protocols in place to ensure their protections. Objective 4: Demonstrate an understanding of sexual assault hotline disclosures Objective 5: Assess the benefits to survivors and service providers of the most recent initiatives available through Safe Helpline.

Agenda What is Safe Helpline? Who Uses Safe Helpline? How does Safe Helpline Provide Support? What’s Next for Safe Helpline? Questions

What is DoD Safe Helpline?

Anonymous and Confidential Support Background Anonymous and Confidential Support In 2011, SAPRO contracted with RAINN to create the Safe Helpline. Safe Helpline provides a confidential, anonymous, and secure place for survivors, their loved ones, and stakeholders in the DoD community to get support and information 24/7.

Anonymous and Confidential Support Platforms are built in-house to provide an anonymous confidential service. Do not ask for Personally Identifiable Information before or during a call or chat. Do not save session transcripts. Do not save session recordings. DoD Safe Helpline Staff-Victim Privilege Per Executive Order 13696, communications between a victim and Safe Helpline staff for the purpose of receiving advice or support assistance is privileged information in cases arising under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Anonymous and Confidential Support Staff Overview Anonymous and Confidential Support Staff consists of approximately 60 professionals with a variety of backgrounds and a passion to help people. Staff receive enough hours of training to be NACP certified. Training Covers: Empathy, How to Talk to Survivors, Neurobiology of Trauma, Military Culture and Traditions, Military Resources and Policies (Restricted and Unrestricted reporting).

Survivors Come to Safe Helpline for a Variety of Reasons. I don’t know what happened to me. How do I find a therapist? Who is my SARC? I can’t sleep. I want to tell my partner but I don’t know how. I need a lawyer. I just need to talk to someone. I don’t know what to do next.

How Does Safe Helpline Provide Support?

Crisis Intervention Introduction and Safety Check Review safety and privacy concerns.

Listen and Show Empathy ”I can tell it took a lot of courage for you to reach out to us today. You don't deserve to be treated this way by others in your unit. They should be there to support you, not hurt you. It sounds like this has been a really difficult transition for you.”

Psychoeducation about Sexual Assault and Consent ”I want you to know that this wasn't your fault. When experiencing something traumatic, it is a normal response to freeze when you think you would fight back, even when you’ve been combat trained. I also want you to know that just because your body responded to the assault, it doesn’t mean it was okay. Your body and brain don't react in the same way. It does not mean you wanted it to happen."

Brainstorm and Roleplay Scenarios Visitor: Nothing’s ever happened to make me think she would react badly but I am scared of losing her or having her lose trust in me.  Staffer: "That makes sense, I can see where you are coming from. It sounds like you really care about her and that she could be a good source of support for you. Do you think it would be helpful to work through how to tell her this happened? Visitor: Yeah, I think that would be helpful

Next Steps and Resources "I am glad you are reaching back out. It takes a lot of strength and courage to do what you are doing. Your SARC can talk you through the reporting process. Would you like me to help you connect to them?”

Ways to Access Safe Helpline Online Helpline and Telephone Helpline Safe HelpRoom Safe Helpline App Responder Database (via text, website, app) Building Hope & Resiliency: Addressing the Effects of Sexual Assault Secure Web Form

Online Helpline and Telephone Helpline How does Safe Helpline Provide Support? Youtube Video

Safe HelpRoom How does Safe Helpline Provide Support? Youtube Video

Safe Helpline App How does Safe Helpline Provide Support? Youtube Video

Responder and Transitioning Service Member Database How does Safe Helpline Provide Support? Safe Helpline App Texting 552-47 (inside the U.S.) 001-202-470-5546 (outside the U.S.) Safe Helpline Website

Self-Paced Educational Programs How does Safe Helpline Provide Support? YouTube Video

How does Safe Helpline Provide Support? Secure Web Form How does Safe Helpline Provide Support?

Support for Stakeholders How does Safe Helpline Provide Support? Responder Database helps you always know who to contact regardless of if they are on your base. The App can be used as a self-care tool for you and your staff or as an easy reference when you’re in the field. Order free print materials, download info-papers, and social media text at www.shop.safehelpline.org. Safe Helpline representatives can support presentations to your local community as well.

Objectives Objective 1: Identify the benefits of Safe Helpline to local SAPR service providers and as a valuable resource to survivors. Objective 2: Explain how the unique services available on the Safe Helpline meet the needs of survivors. Objective 3: Differentiate between anonymity and confidentiality and list the benefits of each as well as describe the protective technology and protocols in place to ensure their protections. Objective 4: Demonstrate an understanding of sexual assault hotline disclosures Objective 5: Assess the benefits to survivors and service providers of the most recent initiatives available through Safe Helpline.

Questions?

What is next for Safe Helpline? Contact Information What is next for Safe Helpline? Elizabeth Blanc Victim Assistance Program Analyst Safe Helpline Operations Manager DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Office elizabeth.a.blanc.civ@mail.mil Megan Higdon Safe Helpline Marketing and Communications Specialist RAINN meganh@rainn.org