SAPR

“We are not performing to the standards and expectations we have for ourselves of for each other. This is unacceptable. We cannot shrink from facing the challenge head on. We must and will do better… this is a call to action.”

- Patrick M. Shanahan, former United States federal government official who served as acting U.S. Secretary of Defense

Program Overview

The Department of Defense is unequivocal in its commitment that victims of sexual assault be protected, treated with dignity and respect, provided proper medical and psychological care, and that the perpetrators of such assaults be held accountable in accordance with recognized principles of due process and the rules of law.

History: In February 2004, the former Secretary of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld directed a 90-day review of all sexual assault policies and programs among the Services and DoD, and recommend changes necessary to increase prevention, promote reporting, enhance the quality and support provided to victims, especially within combat theaters, and improve accountability for offender actions. The Department quickly assembled the Care for Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force. One of the recommendations emphasized the need to establish a single point of accountability for sexual assault policy within the Department. This led to the establishment of the Joint Task Force for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR). The overarching elements of sexual assault prevention and response policy became permanent with the approval of DoD Directive 6495.01, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Policy, in October 2005.

Today, there are almost 24,000 certified SARCs and SAPR VAs within the DoD. The Department of the Air Force SAPR Program Strives to:

e the gap between the prevalence of sexual assault and reporting, while driving incidents down to zero. When sexual assaults do occur, SAPR provides victim-centered, gender-responsive, culturally competent and recovery-oriented care.

Sexual Assault: Intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent.

Consent: Permission to engage in sexual activity. A person must be of legal age (16 in the military, 17 in Louisiana), of sound mind (without mental disabilities that do not allow for a person to legally consent to sex), conscious, and awake to give consent. If incapacitated (passed out, unable to function) by alcohol, a person cannot give consent. **No consent if coercion or a use/threat of force is involved**

Catch Program
The CATCH Program allows sexual assault victims, filed a Restricted Report, to voluntarily submit an anonymous entry and discover if the suspect in their Report may have also assaulted another person (a “match” in the CATCH website). With knowledge of a “potential match”, victims can then decide whether to participate in an investigation of a serial offender suspect. A Restricted Report will not be converted based on the information a victim provided to the CATCH Program without their permission. A victim may decline to participate in the process at any point, even after being notified that there was a potential match. There are no adverse consequences if a victim does not agree to participate.

Reporting Options

Deciding whether to report a sexual assault is a deeply personal decision; however, reporting may be a gateway to recovery. The Air Force is committed to ensuring sexual assault victims are protected, treated with dignity and respect, and provided support, advocacy, and care. To achieve this objective, the Air Force has two reporting options: Unrestricted and Restricted Reporting. These options allow Service members who experienced sexual assault to exercise control over how and when they engage with resources.

Individuals may disclose a sexual assault incident to anyone in or outside of their chain of command. A report made outside of the chain of command can remain confidential when made to: SARC, SAPR VA, VVA, healthcare personnel, assigned Victim’s Counsel, legal assistance officer, chaplain or through the DoD Safe Helpline.

Unrestricted Reporting	Restricted Reporting
Available to military/dependents, DoD civilians/dependents (18+ yrs), and Contractors Commander is Notified Investigation Initiated Can request Expedited Transfer Can request Military Protective Order/Civilian Protective Order May not convert to a restricted report	Available to military/dependents (18+ yrs) Confidential communication No investigation No Commander notification Cannot request Expedited Transfer Cannot request Military Protective Order or Civilian Protective Order May not file if victim has personally reported the sexual assault to SFS, OSI or previously filed an unrestricted report for the same incident

Additional Services Provided regardless of report
Mental Health, Chaplain, and SAPR advocacy services Victim's Counsel representation Legal Support: legal representation through the SVC Medical Support: on/off base medical evaluation, forensic exam, treatment of injuries/ STDs Counseling Resources: on/off base mental health care Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Participation in the CATCH Program

Mandatory Reporters	Who Can keep a Report Confidential
Chain of Command (i.e. supervisor, First Sergeant, Commander) Security Forces/law enforcement member OSI IG EO Air Force Instructors (i.e. ALS/NCOA)	SAPR Office personnel Volunteer Victim Advocates (VVA) Chaplain Medical Personnel Special Victims’ Counsel

A member may disclose a sexual assault incident to anyone in her or his chain of command and still elect to file a restricted report, however, this does not preclude the initiation of an investigation into the allegation and commanders are still required to immediately refer the report to OSI for investigation.

**Note: commanders retain his or her duty to immediately contact OSI, upon being notified of a sexual assault, Whether or Not the sexual assault is in his or her own chain of command**

Military Sexual Trauma (MST):: Veterans Affairs provides free treatment for any physical or mental health conditions related to an experience of MST. You do not need documentation of the MST experience or a VA disability rating to receive care.

Reprisal, Retaliation, or Ostracism: Federal law prohibits military members, civilian employees, and contractors from reprising, retaliating, or ostracizing individuals who report a crime or provide information relating to a criminal investigation. Prohibited actions may include taking, or threatening to take an unfavorable personnel action; withholding, or threatening to withhold a favorable personnel action; or socially ostracizing you for making a protected communication. If you believe someone has reprised, retaliated, or ostracized you for reporting a sexual assault or participating in a criminal investigation, contact your SAPR Office or IG Office.

SAPR Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for SAPR support services?
Active duty members, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members and their dependents 18 and older who are eligible for treatment in the military health system, and Air Force civilian (appropriated and non-appropriated) employees. SAPR provides support for adult sexual assault victims when the perpetrator is someone other than the victim’s spouse or same sex domestic partner.
**The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) manages sexual assault allegations when the alleged offender is the partner in context of a spousal relationship, same sex domestic partnership, unmarried intimate partner relationship or military dependents who are 17 years of age and younger.
How can I contact my SAPR Office?
* SAPR Office: 318-456-6836
* SAPR 24/7 Hotline: 318-456-7272
* DoD Safe Helpline 24/7 Hotline: 877-995-5247
How do I make an Unrestricted Report?
Report the assault to a SARC, SAPR VA, healthcare personnel, a member of your chain of command, law enforcement personnel, or legal personnel.
How do I make a Restricted Report?
You man confidentially disclose the assault to a SARC, SAPR VA, or healthcare personnel.

You may disclose a sexual assault incident to anyone in your chain of command and still elect to file a restricted report, however, an investigation into the allegation may still be started and commanders are still required to immediately refer the report to OSI for investigation.

**Note: commanders retain his or her duty to immediately contact OSI, upon being notified of a sexual assault, Whether or Not the sexual assault is in his or her own chain of command**
How do I know my information will be protected if I make a restricted report?
SARCs and SAPR victim advocates are responsible by law and Department of Defense and Air Force Instructions to protect the confidentiality of both restricted and unrestricted reports. SAPR personnel who violate confidentiality rules are subject to the full range of disciplinary action ranging from administrative action to court-martial, depending on the status of the individual in question and the nature of the violation.
Can I report a sexual assault that happened prior to my military service, on TDY or on leave?
Yes, your SARC will take your report of sexual assault regardless of when or where the assault occurred. If you choose to make your report unrestricted, the SARC will help notify the appropriate law enforcement officials.
Can I report a sexual assault to a SARC from another service or base?
Yes, with the exception of Air Force civilian employees. If you are eligible for SAPR support services, then you can file a report with any DoD SARC regardless of location. However, Air Force civilian employees are currently the only Department of Defense civilian employees eligible for SAPR services, and can only receive SAPR services from Air Force SARCs and SAPR victim advocates.
Will reporting negatively affect my career?
There are legal measures in place to make sure reporting does not negatively affect the victim. If you feel you are experiencing retaliation, ostracism, or reprisal, contact you command, IG Office or law enforcement.
What is SVC?
Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) is a military attorney who specializes in representing victims of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, stalking and other similar crimes. The SVC works for victims including Air Force members and their dependents. The SVC has a separate office and different chain of command from the base legal office and ADC.
What is a SARC?
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) serves as the installation's primary point of contact for integrating and coordinating sexual assault victim care services for eligible recipients. Services may begin at the initial report of sexual assault and continue through disposition and resolution of issues related to the victim's health and well-being. The SARC reports directly to the installation wing commander (or equivalent) or installation vice wing commander, executing the Air Force's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program at the installation level. SARCs assist unit commanders as necessary to ensure victims of sexual assault receive appropriate and responsive care.
Can my restricted report be made unrestricted by someone else?
Your report will remain restricted and confidential. However, if another individual reports your assault to their chain of command or law enforcement, an investigation will be initiated if the case falls under the jurisdiction of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
How do I help a friend who has just been assaulted?
Be caring and non-judgement and assure them it is not their fault. Ask if they would like to contact the SAPR Office or would like you to. Do no leave them alone. Recommend they go to the hospital as soon as possible but let them make their own choices.