Sexual Assault Awareness Month -- Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program

  • Published
  • RAF Mildenhall Sexual Assuault Response Coordinator's Office
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Sexual assault is one of the most underreported violent crimes in America. Since the military is not impervious to this trend, the Air Force ensures that personnel know that sexual assault crimes are not tolerated. 

To better address sexual assault issues, DoD implemented the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) 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. 

The addition of reporting options in 2005 has 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 care that they deserve confidentially. 

The unrestricted reporting option allows victims to get care and participate in the criminal justice system as well. These options, coupled with improved awareness of sexual assault through Air Force training, have 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 your local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) 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.
· Write down, tape or record all the details you can recall about the assault and your assailant. 

Local Prevention and Response Resources
Giving first-class care to a victim of sexual assault anywhere in the world lies at the heart of the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program. Each installation is assigned a Sexual Assault Prevention/Response Program Manager and they function as the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC). 

The SARC recruits and trains volunteer Victim Advocates (VAs) who support and ensure that 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. 

The installation SARC serves as the single point of contact to coordinate victim care and track the services provided to the victim in each reported assault. At RAF Mildenhall the SARC responds to all reports of sexual assault and provides management and oversight of victim services, the Victim Advocates provide 24/7 direct assistance to victims. 

The Victim Advocate helps a victim by supporting them through the process of recovery whether the victim has chosen restricted or unrestricted reporting. 

VAs are not counselors, therapists, or investigators. However, they are people who can furnish accurate and comprehensive information on available options and resources. 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 Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE). 

Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other professionals that address mental health also play a part in victim care. Both male and female 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 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 get 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. 

Editor's note: If you would like more information about services for sexual assault victims, contact your installation Sexual Assault Prevention /Response Office and speak with the SARC Rebekah Downs or the SARC assistant, Precious Wallace at DSN 238-2009/5723. 

**Adapted from Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2008 DoD Resource Guide