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.
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)
DOD Safe Helpline
https://safehelpline.org
All Safe Helpline services are: anonymous, confidential, and tailored to support members of the DoD community and their loved ones affected by sexual assault. DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.
VA Vet Centers
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
If you experienced sexual assault or harassment during military service, the Vet Center can help you get the counseling you need. Any Veteran or service member, including members of the National Guard and Reserve forces, who experienced military sexual trauma is eligible to receive counseling. Use the link above to find your closest VA Vet Center.
DOJ Office for Victims of Crime
The Department of Justice maintains a directory of nonemergency victim service programs. Neither the United States Marine Corps nor the Department of War endorse any provider, program, or organization listed.
RAINN
https://centers.rainn.org/
The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) provides a list of independent sexual assault service providers, including National Sexual Assault Hotline affiliate organizations and other local providers. Staff at the listed programs are dedicated to helping survivors in your area. Neither the United States Marine Corps nor the Department of War endorse any provider, program, or organization listed.
Text to 9-1-1
For a list of areas with text to 911 capabilities please visit:
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/what-you-need-know-about-text-911
Traditional voice calls to 9-1-1 are preferred for effective information gathering. Text to 9-1-1 is available, however, for individuals who are unable to speak due to an emergency.
It is important to understand the protocols and limitations of the system:
Clearly provide the caller's location and describe the situation.
Use plain English and avoid emojis, abbreviations, or slang.
Text to 9-1-1 does not support sending photos or videos.
Phone coordinates (longitude and latitude) may not be precise.
Text to 9-1-1 is for emergency situations only.
Texts to 9-1-1 cannot be sent to multiple recipients or in group texts.