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. SAPR program personnel facilitate support services through victim advocacy, resources, and referrals. They also provide policy and program support to all levels of leadership and work toward the prevention of sexual assault through training, education, community awareness, and coordination with other prevention stakeholders.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
The SAPR program for Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) consists of a Force-level Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Command-level SARCs for each Major Subordinate Command, and Civilian SAPR Victim Advocates stationed at MARFORRES headquarters in New Orleans, LA. In addition, there are uniformed collateral duty 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 training site.
Marine Forces South (MARFORSOUTH) receives SAPR services from their Force-level SARC and collateral duty SAPR VAs who are also located at the Marine Corps Support Facility in New Orleans, LA. The co-located SAPR team within MARFORRES is also available to support for both advocacy and training as needed.
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 leadership, trains and supports collateral duty SAPR VAs, and 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.
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. SAPR VAs also conduct annual training and are often the first point of contact for those wanting to make a report of sexual assault.
HOW DO I CONTACT MY SARC OR SAPR VA?
You can call the MARFORRES/MARFORSOUTH 24/7 Support Line at 877-432-2215 where a member of the SAPR staff will answer any questions you may have and get you connected to your SARC or SAPR VA. You can also contact them directly using the 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 / live-in partner, or their child’s other parent.
- 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.
REPORTING OPTIONS
VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT HAVE TWO REPORTING OPTIONS:
Restricted Reporting - Allows a victim of sexual assault to speak confidentially to someone within the SAPR Program without involving law enforcement or the command. Resources are offered without notification to leadership or law enforcement. A Restricted Reports can be converted at the victim’s request to an Unrestricted Report at any time they choose. The service options below are some resources that will be offered:
- Advocacy Services (support, information, referral, and accompaniment)
- Medical/Counseling Services
- Victims' Legal Counsel
- CATCH Program
Victims may still elect a Restricted Report if they did not personally report the sexual assault to law enforcement, including MCIOS, and/or did not previously elect to make an Unrestricted Report by signing a DD Form 2910 on the same sexual assault incident.
In the event a victim or third party discloses a Restricted Report to the command, it does not negate the command from the standard notification and reporting responsibilities. The commander is not to ask the SARC for details nor will they speak to the victim about the incident.
** Some state and local laws require healthcare personnel to disclose sexual assault incidents to law enforcement. NDAA FY 16 Section 536 preempts mandatory reporting laws if the victim reports to a Military Treatment Facility first, thereby preserving the Restricted Reporting option. The SARC or SAPR VA can provide additional information about state and local laws.
Unrestricted Reporting - Recommended for victims who desire a law enforcement investigation and support from the chain of command. Although a victim can choose to disclose a sexual assault to their chain of command, care will be taken to limit knowledge of the assault to those with an official need-to-know. Supportive service options include:
- Advocacy Services (support, information, referral, and accompaniment)
- Medical/Counseling Services
- Victims' Legal Counsel
- Military Protective Order
- Civilian Protective Order
- Expedited Transfer
- CATCH Program when the name of suspect is not known by law enforcement
If there is an investigation initiated by a third party report or from a source other than the victim, the victim can elect not to participate in the investigation by signing a 540k Victim Preference Letter. The investigation may continue without the victim’s participation or the investigating agency may agree to close the investigation. A SARC or SAPR VA can provide further information regarding the 540k Victim Preference Letter.
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 only SARCs and SAPR VAs can officially open a Restricted Report. SAPR personnel, Chaplains, and healthcare providers, and counselors can maintain confidentiality related to the disclosure of sexual assault.
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 / Marine Forces South 24/7 Sexual Assault Support Line @ 877- 432-2215
DoD Safe Helpline @ 877-995-5247 (https://safehelpline.org)