Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPR)

SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM (SAPR)

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program’s primary goals are to prevent sexual assault from happening in our community and to support victims when an assault is reported. The SAPR program services are confidential and available 24/7. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding sexual assault and the SAPR program.

WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?

Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact characterized by force, threats, intimidation or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. It includes rape, forced sodomy (oral or anal sex), touching of a sexualized nature and attempts to commit these crimes.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M THE VICTIM OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT?

If you or someone you know is the victim of a sexual assault, it’s important for you to know the reporting options and where to turn for help.  By contacting the SAPR 24/7 Victim Advocate duty, you can speak confidentially with a victim advocate and learn about reporting options and available resources.

WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?

You are more than welcome to contact SAPR Victim Advocates or the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) for assistance.

WHO IS CAN ACCESS SAPR SERVICES?

Active Duty, Reservists, National Guard, and their adult dependents.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED REPORT? 

Restricted - Allows victims to confidentially disclose the assault to specified individuals. The victim can receive medical treatment, including emergency care, victim advocacy & support, counseling and Victim Legal Counsel (VLC) legal consultation.  Restricted reports are a good option for victims who want to access services, but don’t want to participate in a criminal investigation or have their command notified of their report.

Unrestricted - Victims choosing an unrestricted report have access to the full SAPR services, including victim advocacy & support, medical care, counseling and Victim Legal Services (VLC). With an unrestricted report, the victim’s Commanding Officer and law enforcement will be notified of the report, leading to a criminal investigation. Because the victim’s Commanding Officer is aware of the report, the victim has access to additional services such as an expedited transfer and military protective orders.  An unrestricted report is a good option for victims seeking an expedited transfer or needing other supportive measures from their command. It’s also a good option for victims seeking a criminal investigation.

WHO ARE THE SPECIFIED INDIVIDUALS I CAN CONTACT FOR A RESTRICTED REPORT?

A victim may request a restricted report unless they themselves have reported directly to law enforcements.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I REPORT TO SOMEONE IN MY CHAIN OF COMMAND BUT WANT A RESTRICTED REPORT?

If you report to a person in your chain of command, you are still able to request a restricted report from the SAPR program. The person in your chain of command has a requirement to notify law enforcement, but you as the victim has no requirement to participate in any investigation and the SAPR program will not notify your commander with any PII.

IF I MAKE A RESTRICTED REPORT, CAN I CHANGE IT TO AN UNRESTRICTED?

Yes, you can. Restricted reporting documents and evidence (when applicable) are secured for 50 years. Victims can change their mind at any time and reach out to the SARC to change their restricted report to an unrestricted report.

CAN I CHANGE AN UNRESTRICTED REPORT TO RESTRICTED?

Unfortunately, once a case is unrestricted, it cannot be changed to a restricted report because the required notifications have already taken place. However, victims of sexual assault can change their mind about participating in the criminal investigation.

WHO/WHAT ARE VICTIM ADVOCATES (VA)?

Victim Advocates are carefully selected, trained and credentialed military and DoD civilian personnel who provide support and assistance to victims of sexual assault. They are directly supervised by the SARC and are required to maintain confidentiality of victim communication. In our region, there is a watch bill staffed by SAPR VAs, providing 24/7 access to the SAPR program. You can reach out to a SAPR VA within your command or call the 24/7 duty cell phone.

If you are interested in learning more about the SAPR program, or need assistance, please feel free to contact us. 

  • SAPR 24/7 Cell Phone: 240-814-7624

  • Civilian Victim Advocate: 202-748-6923

  • SARC: 240-761-3824

  • DOD SAFE Helpline: 877-995-5247