There are inherent barriers to care, whether it be seeking counseling, or in circumstances of having to report sexual assault.
During deployments, Sailors live close to one another for extended periods, at times unable to communicate with family, friends or the outside world. As a result, they become emotionally dependent on their shipboard relationships.
The sense of belonging is a human need that is weighed against the fear of alienation due to reporting a sexual assault. The assault can lead to isolation, factor in alienation from shipmates and friends can cause Sailors to withdraw and isolate themselves even further. This behavior can lead to an increased risk of suicidal ideation, a sense of hopelessness, stress, anxiety, and the inability to function.
Sailor resiliency is vital and can be the difference between life and death, which is why the Deployed Resiliency Counselor (DRC) program was started.
A DRC helps Sailors cope with the challenges of everyday life. The DRC is an independently licensed clinical counselor assigned to all aircraft carriers (CVNs) and large deck amphibious assault ships (LHDs/LHAs) throughout the Navy. They provide support services to Sailors while deployed as well as in homeport. They work alongside other embedded staff and command personnel to provide workshops and trainings on core issues such as sexual assault prevention, suicide prevention, and various wellness and resiliency topics.
In addition to providing non-medical counseling, DRCs:
- Serve as a SAIL case manager while the ship is deployed, delivering scheduled contact with Sailors experiencing suicide-related behaviors. DRCs work to build relationships that support the Sailor, recognize signs of stress early and help the Sailor feel comfortable in seeking help.
- Liaise with the homeport SARC on all SAPR cases. DRCs are certified SAP Victim Advocates. They can educate victims on their reporting options, provide counseling, and advocate on their behalf.
- Act as a liaison to the homeport FAP case manager, providing clinical, safety and incident assessments as requested. DRCs provide treatment identified in the Clinical Case Staffing Meeting.
- Is a member of the Command Resiliency Team and work with the EIPC assigned to their ship to connect with the pulse of the command climate and providing the needed education and training to Sailors and command leadership in accordance with the Navy Culture and Force Resilience (N17) program.
To connect with your ship’s DRC, contact medical or the Chaplain’s office.
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