October 17, 2023

Over the past year, NSF’s Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response (SAHPR) Office has been working hard to ensure that all U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) stations, field sites, and NSF-funded science and education programs are free from sexual assault and harassment. The SAHPR Office will continue to focus on creating safe, positive, and inclusive environments in the USAP, but understands that more work needs to be done.

During the FY24 season, members of the NSF SAHPR Office will be deploying to Antarctica to engage with USAP participants and provide more information about SAHPR resources and reporting. The SAHPR Office plans to do a variety of outreach and educational events. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details about this visit and scheduled events.

The SAHPR Office wants to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences and voice their concerns. Insight and input from both current and former USAP participants are needed for NSF to best tailor prevention and response services that foster meaningful and lasting culture change. The SAHPR Office encourages the USAP community to please continue to share any feedback, ideas, and suggestions by speaking with the office during their visit or by emailing saferscience@nsf.gov.

For more information on the NSF SAHPR Office, visit the new SAHPR website.

Information on SAHPR Support Resources:

• USAP Victim Advocate: Current and former USAP participants have access to the confidential Victim Advocate. The Victim Advocate is stationed in McMurdo Station and offers in-person appointments but will also be available to provide remote support to Palmer and South Pole Stations and Research Vessels. Throughout the season, the Advocate(s) will also be traveling briefly to the Palmer and South Pole Stations. The Victim Advocate can be contacted at USAPadvocate@LDSScorp.com or 720-568-1083 (Local Extension: x42709).
• NSF Antarctic Helpline: The 24/7 helpline is available as a crisis intervention and emotional support resource for victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment. To use this service, visit NSFAntarcticHelpline.org and use the online chat, call 833-673-1733, or text 202-932-7569.

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