Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Published April 14, 2008 By Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program 60th Air Mobility Wing TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Sexual assault is one of the most underreported violent crimes in America. Since the military is not impervious to this trend, the Department of Defense ensures servicemembers know that sexual assault crimes are not tolerated. To better combat sexual assault, DoD implemented the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program, which incorporates a comprehensive policy that reinforces a culture of prevention, response and accountability. The goal of the SAPR program is to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of all members of the armed forces through training, education, treatment and support of victims. New reporting options in 2005 have helped victims of sexual assault access care. The restricted reporting option, which enables victims to come forward without triggering the investigative process, helps victims receive the confidential care they deserve. The unrestricted reporting option allows victims to get care and participate in the criminal justice system as well. These options, along with improved awareness of sexual assault created by service specific training, has encouraged more victims to come forward and get help. What to Do if You Have Been Sexually Assaulted: -- Go to a safe location away from the attacker. -- Preserve all evidence of the assault. Do not bathe, wash your hands or brush your teeth. Do not clean or straighten up the crime scene. -- Contact the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at 424-7272, or healthcare provider. -- Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you do not have any visible physical injuries, you may be at risk of becoming pregnant or acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. -- Consent to a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination to preserve forensic evidence. -- If you suspect drugs were involved in the assault, request that a urine sample be collected. -- Write down, tape, or record all the details you can recall about the assault and your assailant. Giving first-class care to a victim of sexual assault anywhere in the world lies at the heart of DoD's SAPR program. Each installation is assigned a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and victim advocate who responds to assaults, ensuring the appropriate level of care is provided to each victim. Healthcare providers, chaplains, law enforcement, criminal investigators and judge advocates also play significant roles in response. SARCs manage each installation's sexual assault prevention and response program. SARCs serve as the single point of contact to coordinate victim care and track the services provided to the victim in each reported assault. While the SARC primarily provides management and oversight of victim services, the victim advocates provide 24-hour, 7 day-a-week direct assistance to victims seeking help. VAs help victims with navigating the military's response network. VAs are not counselors, therapists or investigators. However, they are people who can furnish accurate and comprehensive information on available options and resources. VAs educate the victim so he or she can make informed decisions about their care and involvement in the investigative process. Healthcare providers play an important role in treating sexual assault victims, both physically and psychologically. Physicians, physician assistants and nurses all contribute to treating injuries, managing risk for sexually transmitted infections, and sometimes gathering evidence during a SAFE. Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other professionals that address mental health also play a part in victim care. Both female and male victims of sexual assault are at increased risk for developing serious psychological problems. Unfortunately, many victims try to ignore their symptoms or cope by using increased amounts of alcohol. In truth, most psychological problems can be avoided or minimized with early treatment from a trained provider. When a restricted report is chosen, a victim can discuss his or her assault with a provider without command or law enforcement being notified. Chaplains provide spiritual support to victims of sexual assault and offer complete confidentiality when providing spiritual counseling. That means an active duty member can discuss their situation with a chaplain and have no fear that what they say will be reported to anyone. Chaplains work closely with SARCs and VAs to ensure that victims receive the information and services they need. Law enforcement, criminal investigators and judge advocates also support victims by ensuring accountability of perpetrators. Prevention efforts count for very little if perpetrators are not held accountable for their behavior. When a victim makes an unrestricted report, these professionals take statements from the victim and witnesses, document the crime scene, facilitate a SAFE and send the evidence to the crime lab for evaluation. The DoD is committed to assisting victims and holding offenders accountable. Each of the military services has specially trained professionals waiting to assist. If you would like more information about services for sexual assault victims, contact the SARC office at 424-1098 or the 24-hour response line at 424-7272.