Purpose of Retreat
The purpose of the Service Academy Survivor Retreat is: 1) to facilitate connection and belonging between assault survivors; 2) to provide an opportunity to feel understood by those with shared experiences; 3) to learn about the dynamics of sexual assault to help you make sense of your own experiences, their aftermath, and your feelings about them; and 4) explore various healing modalities/topics.
Organizers
The 2023 Service Academy Survivor Retreat has been planned by the Survivor Advocacy Network (SAN), a team made up of concerned service academy alumnae, including survivors, physical and mental health care professionals, and other experts in their field. The SAN is a committee of the U. S. Naval Academy Women’s Shared Interest Group (WSIG), which is affiliated with the U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.
Risks and Benefits to Attendees
There are no physical risks to attendees, however there is risk of being ‘triggered’, or re-traumatized, for some attendees during the retreat. Trained professionals and private break-out rooms will be available for anyone needing individualized support during the event.
The possible benefits to attendees include stronger connections and a sense of belonging with the survivor community, increased knowledge of the dynamics associated with sexual assault, exposure to and interest in accessing new healing modalities, and a reduction in shame feelings stemming from the assault(s).
Recording, Digital Media, and Use of Images
Two of the three sessions held in the main Zoom room of this event will be recorded. Only the speaker and their slides will be recorded. To protect the privacy of all attendees, we will end the recording before the Q&A period following each of these sessions. Should an attendee inadvertently end up on camera, they will be edited out of the recording. No other part of the event will be recorded. No media outlets or independent reporters will be allowed in this event. By virtue of registration, all attendees hereby attest they will not take, share, release, or distribute any images of any attendee, presenter, or element of the event. However attendees may share or distribute the recordings made by the SAN on the day of the event as described above.
Confidentiality
To protect the privacy of all attendees and the broader community of survivors, we ask that individuals share only their own stories, thoughts, or opinions and not discuss events related to other survivors. In addition, we ask that attendee names (or identifying information), and the stories, thoughts, and opinions shared during the retreat remain confidential and are not repeated in whole or in part at any point after the retreat without the express permission of the individual who shared. Attendees should use caution to not share any personally identifying information or a level of detail sufficient to identify specific individuals involved in an assault or its aftermath, including assailant, bystander(s), or members of the chain of command at the time.
Reporting
Recent changes to the Department of Defense (DoD) policies and procedures regarding sexual assault prevention and response expand the options for survivors to file restricted reports. This information is found in the document that includes the Retreat Confidentiality Agreement, Trigger Warning, and Retreat Agreements (found in the section entitled "DoD Sexual Assault Reporting" that is linked to the first question below and must be reviewed before attending the Retreat.