Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is intentional sexual contact, characterized by the use of force, physical threat, or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. It includes rape; nonconsensual oral or anal sex; unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling; or attempts to commit these acts.

Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender, spousal relationship or age of the victim.

SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE COORDINATOR (SARC)

The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, or SARC, serves as the point of contact for integrating and coordinating sexual assault care from an initial report of sexual assault through disposition and resolution of issues related to the victim.

The SARC:

Ensures the victim support system provides a sexual assault response capability for victims
Promotes sexual assault prevention measures
Recruits, interviews, trains and supervises a unit’s Victim Advocates.

RESTRICTED REPORTING

Restricted reporting allows a sexual assault victim, on a confidential basis, to disclose details of the assault to specifically-identified individuals (SARC, victim advocate, and health care professionals) and to receive medical treatment and counseling, without triggering an official investigation.

Restricted reporting is intended to give a victim/survivor additional time and increased control over the release and management of his/her personal information, and to empower him/her to seek relevant information and support to make more informed decisions about participating in the criminal investigation.

Improper disclosure of covered communications, improper release of medical information, and other violations of the Department of Defense policy are prohibited and may result in discipline, loss of credentials or other adverse personnel or administrative actions.

UNRESTRICTED REPORTING

A service member who is sexually assaulted and desires medical treatment and an official investigation of his or her allegation should use current reporting channels, e.g. chain-of-command, law enforcement, as well as the SARC. Upon notification, the SARC assigns a victim advocate.

Commanders should immediately report an allegation of sexual assault to the appropriate law enforcement agency, along with your chain of command, judge advocate and SARC.