Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR)

The Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR) program reinforces the Military’s commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through a comprehensive policy that centers on awareness and prevention training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting, and accountability. Military policy promotes sensitive care and confidential reporting for victims of sexual assault and accountability for those who commit these crimes.

SAPR SERVICES 24/7 Call and speak to a credentialed advocate 24/7 at 253-307-6483

Sexual Assault Response Program Goals

• Create a climate that minimizes sexual assault incidents, which impact Army personnel, Army civilians, and family members, and, if an incident should occur, ensure that victims and subjects are treated according to Army policy.

• Create a climate that encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault without fear.

• Establish sexual assault prevention training and awareness programs to educate soldiers.

• Ensure sensitive and comprehensive treatment to restore victim's health and well being.

• Ensure leaders understand their roles and responsibilities regarding response to sexual assault victims, thoroughly investigate allegations of sexual assault, and take appropriate administrative and disciplinary action.

Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)

The SARC serves as the designated program manager of victim support services, ensuring that victims are provided with advocacy and access to needed care and support. Coordinates and oversees implementation and execution of the Sexual Harassment Assault Response programs (SHARP) and Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR).

If YOU Have Been Sexually Assaulted...

Go to a safe location away from the attacker.

Call 911 or your 24-hour local rape crisis center or
To speak with someone immediately, call DoD Safe Helpline (877-995-5247)
Online chat is available at www.safehelpline.org

Texting at *55-247 (conus) or (202) 470-5546 (oconus)

Preserve all evidence.

Seek medical attention.

Know your Reporting Options or contact
your State SARC, VA, or Medical personnel.

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, understand your reporting options:

Sexual Assault is the most under reported crime in our society and in the military. While the Department of Defense prefers complete reporting of sexual assaults to activate both victims’ services and law enforcement actions, it recognizes that some victims desire only medical and support services and no command or law enforcement involvement. The Department believes its first priority is for victims to be protected, treated with dignity and respect, and to receive the medical treatment, care and counseling that they deserve. Under DoD’s Confidentiality Policy, sexual assault victims are offered two reporting options – “Restricted Reporting” and “Unrestricted Reporting."

Understanding DoD’s Confidentiality Policy

DoD’s Confidentiality policy permits victims of sexual assault to report the crime to specified individuals who can then ensure the victim receives medical care, treatment and counseling without notifying command or law enforcement officials. Covered individuals include the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocates (VA), healthcare providers and chaplains.

For purposes of public safety and command responsibility, the SARC will notify the installation commander that an assault has occurred and provide details that will not identify the victim. (See Directive-Type Memorandum, Confidentiality Policy for Victims of Sexual Assault (JTF-SAPR-009) for complete details).

This policy provides victims some personal space and time, and increased control over the release and management of their personal information. This hopefully empowers them to seek relevant information and support to make more informed decisions about participating in the criminal investigation. Jurisdictions with similar policies have found that confidentiality actually leads to increased reporting rates.

Even if the victim chooses not to pursue an official investigation, this additional reporting avenue gives commanders a clearer picture of the sexual violence within their command, and enhances a commander’s ability to provide an environment which is safe and contributes to the well-being and mission-readiness of all of its members.

Additional resources:

Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault http://www.wcsap.org/

DoD Safe Helpline https://safehelpline.org/

SHARP Website (Active Duty) http://www.army.mil/sharp

VA Military Sexual Trauma (MST) www.ptsd.va.gov/public/types/violence/military-sexual-trauma-general.asp

Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) http://www.rainn.org/

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) http://www.nsvrc.org/