Mission

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program serves as a resource for military members and their adult dependents who have been victims of sexual assault.  The SAPR program is the single point of contact to facilitate support services through victim advocacy, resources, and referrals and it provide policy and program support to all commanders throughout U.S. Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) while remaining committed to sexual assault prevention through training, education and community awareness.

Program Information

The MARFORRES SAPR program consists of a Force-level Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Command-level SARCs for each Major Subordinate Command, Civilian SAPR Victim Advocates stationed at MARFORRES headquarters in New Orleans, LA.  In addition, there are uniformed SAPR Victim Advocates (VAs) geographically dispersed throughout the force. MARFORRES is required to have a minimum of one credentialed and appointed SAPR VA at each site.  
 

What is a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)?

The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, or SARC, manages the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program. The SARC serves as the subject matter expert to all levels of leadership, trains and support collateral duty SAPR VAs, coordinates 24/7 victim care and case management from initial reporting through legal disposition and resolution of issues related to the victim's health and well-being. The SARC reports directly to Commanding General of their respective Major Subordinate Command.

What is a SAPR Victim Advocate (VA)?  

A SAPR Victim Advocate provides a spectrum of support, advocacy, and liaison services to eligible military and civilian sexual assault victims in accordance with DoD and Marine Corps policies. SAPR VAs report directly to the SARC for all victim care matters.

How do I contact my SARC or SAPR VA?  

You can call the MARFORRES 24/7 Support Line at 877-432-2215 where a member of the SAPR staff will answer your questions and get you connected to your SARC or SAPR VA.  You can also contact them directly using their information provided on the POC list.  The DoD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247 and website (https://safehelpline.org/search.cfm) are also resources that are able to connect you to support personnel.

Who is eligible for SAPR support services?

All Active Duty and Reserve members (to include Active Reserve and IRR), and their adult dependents 18 and older. SAPR provides support for adult sexual assault victims when the perpetrator is someone other than the victim’s spouse / domestic partner.
o    The Family Advocacy Program manages reports related to sexual assault allegations against a spouse / domestic partner and/or those involving individuals 17 years of age and younger. 

Your Options

Victims of sexual assault have two reporting options:

Restricted Reporting  -  If you prefer to talk to someone without involving law enforcement, Restricted Reporting allows you to confidentially disclose information about the sexual assault. You may receive medical treatment, mental health care, legal support, and advocacy services without triggering the investigative process. Conversations between you and the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or SAPR Victim Advocate (SAPR VA) about the sexual assault are confidential and will not be disclosed to others including law enforcement or your chain of command. You may convert your Restricted Report to an Unrestricted Report at any time if you choose.

*The following individuals can accept a Restricted Report:
o    Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)
o    Victim Advocate (VA)
o    Healthcare providers

*You may still make a restricted report to the above individuals even if you disclosed the sexual assault to your chain of command.  However, if you first directly report the sexual assault to law enforcement (including if your chain of command is law enforcement), a restricted report is no longer an option. 

Unrestricted Reporting -  If you would like to make an Unrestricted Report of sexual assault, there are several options for assistance.  You may contact your local SARC, law enforcement, or anyone in your chain-of-command.  Unrestricted Reports of sexual assault initiate law enforcement investigations and chain-of-command notifications. An Unrestricted Report still allows you to receive medical treatment, mental health care, legal support, and advocacy services.  

Can I speak to a chaplain about a sexual assault?  Yes. Chaplains are available to talk to you about anything while maintaining ultimate confidentiality. Although Chaplains do not take official reports of sexual assault, they can put you in touch with a SARC or SAPR VA at your request. 

What if I don't want my commander or leadership to know about a sexual assault?  You do not have to tell your commander, leadership or law enforcement about your sexual assault in order to receive SAPR support, counseling, or medical care. You have the option of making a Restricted Report without notification to your chain-of-command or initiating a law enforcement investigation. It is important to remember that the following individuals can accept a Restricted Report without involving your leadership:
o    Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
o    Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA)
o    Healthcare providers

Can I report a sexual assault to a SARC or SAPR VA from another service or at a different location?  If you are eligible for SAPR support services, you may file a report with any DoD SARC or VA regardless of the location or service.

Learn More:

To gain a thorough understanding of your reporting options and the available resources, you are encouraged to speak to a SARC, SAPR VA or Victims Legal Counsel (VLC).  Speaking with these individuals first is the best way to protect your privacy and confidentiality.  Disclosure to others may limit your available options.  Additional program information, policies, and procedures are available in MCO 1752.5C.

To make a report of sexual assault: 
Marine Forces Reserve 24/7 Sexual Assault Support Line @ 877- 432-2215 
DoD Safe Helpline @ 877-995-5247 (https://safehelpline.org)

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