Reminder from the NSF SAHPR program office for 2024-25 Antarctic summer season

As the 2024-25 austral summer season begins, the U.S. National Science Foundation Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response (SAHPR) program office works closely with the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) to prevent sexual violence and to ensure all USAP environments are safe, harassment and assault-free spaces with a positive and inclusive culture. Additionally, safe research environments are not simply limited to just those who are conducting research but also include those in supportive and contractor roles.

The NSF SAHPR program office is available to support the USAP community. The purpose of the NSF SAHPR program office is to support individuals who have experienced sexual violence, to support bystanders and survivors, and to help prepare and educate supervisors and leaders on how to appropriately respond to and support individuals who disclose incidents of sexual violence. SAHPR provides a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to always place the rights, confidentiality, wishes, needs, safety, and well-being of the victim/survivor at the center of all prevention and response efforts.

This season, there are SAHPR support resources available to community members including 24/7 access to the NSF Antarctic Helpline for sexual violence crisis intervention and emotional support. There is an in-person victim advocate available in McMurdo Station, as well as planned in-person visits from a Victim Advocate to both South Pole Station and Palmer Station throughout the season.

Information on SAHPR Support Resources Available to You:

  • USAP victim advocate: Participants have access to the confidential victim advocate. The victim advocate is stationed in McMurdo Station and offers in-person and remote appointments to include those deployed to Palmer and South Pole Stations, and Research Vessels. Throughout the season, an Advocate will also travel briefly to the South Pole Station and Palmer Station.
    Email: USAPadvocate@LDSScorp.com
    Phone: or 720-568-1083
    USAP 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.
    Website: NSFAntarcticHelpline.org
    Call: 833-673-1733

Prevention of sexual assault and harassment requires the entire community to work together. As this austral summer in Antarctica begins, the NSF SAHPR program office appreciates participants’ continued insight, and input is needed to help the office to best tailor prevention and response services that foster meaningful and lasting culture change. All participants are welcome and encouraged to reach out at any time. To contact the NSF SAHPR Program Office, email saferscience@nsf.gov. 

For more information, visit the NSF SAHPR page and review the Resources for the U.S. Antarctic Program flyer.

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