DoD Safe Helpline recently released two self-paced programs to educate the military community and civilian providers about sexual assault. Safe Helpline is the Department of Defense’s (DoD) sole hotline for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault; it is operated by RAINN.
The first program, Suicide 101: Responding to Suicidal Ideation Among Survivors of Sexual Assault, explains how Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates can leverage their existing skills to support survivors of sexual assault who are managing suicidal ideation. It introduces tools for conducting a suicide risk assessment, identifying appropriate follow-up steps, and connecting survivors to long-term support.
The second program, Transitioning Service Members: An Educational Module for Civilian Sexual Assault Service Providers, provides civilian sexual assault service providers (SASPs) with information about military structure and culture; the process of transitioning out of the military; additional needs for those leaving the military; and resources available to address those needs. The module also details some of the unique challenges survivors of sexual assault who are transitioning out the military may face and explains how SASPs can leverage their existing skills and available resources to better assist these individuals.
The new courses add to Safe Helpline’s collection of self-paced programs. Building Hope helps restore resiliency in survivors of sexual assault in the DoD Community. How to Support a Survivor helps loved ones and stakeholders learn how to speak to and support survivors of sexual assault. Finally, Safe Helpline 101 provides information about how the helpline supports the DoD community and helps other providers assisting Service members.
The programs can be taken anonymously via https://safehelpline.org/ and the Safe Helpline mobile app, available on both the App Store and Google Play.
Safe Helpline is a completely anonymous, confidential, 24/7, service. It provides help and information anytime, anywhere. A Safe Helpline user can access one-on-one support, peer-to-peer support, information, resources and self-care exercises to aid in their recovery. Since 2011, Safe Helpline has provided support and resources to thousands of members of the DoD community.