SAPR

MCMWTC SAPR OBJECTIVES

• Prevention through training and education programs

• Treatment and support of victims

• System accountability

Sexual Assault is the most under reported crime in our society and in the military. While the Department of Defense prefers complete reporting of sexual assaults to activate both victims' services and law enforcement actions, it recognizes that some victims desire only medical and support services and no command or law enforcement involvement.

The Department believes its first priority is for victims to be protected, treated with dignity and respect, and to receive the medical treatment, care and counseling that they deserve. Under DoD's Confidentiality Policy, military victims of sexual assault have two reporting options - Restricted reporting and Unrestricted reporting. Military retirees, dependents, and other civilian victims currently may use only Unrestricted reporting.
 

RESTRICTED REPORTING

Restricted reporting allows victims of sexual assault to receive appropriate treatment, victim advocacy, and counseling services without triggering a formal report to MCPD, NCIS, and the chain of command. Restricted Reporting protects the victim's identity and, except in the rarest of instances, assures absolute confidentiality.
 

Expanded Eligibility to File Restricted Reports

A victim can file a Restricted Report EVEN if:

1. The allegation has been inadvertently or previously disclosed to command by the victim, suspect, or third party.

2. The matter has been reported to law enforcement, to include Military Criminal Investigation Organizations (MCIO), by anyone other than the victim.

3. An investigation is initiated, in progress, or closed.

Basically, victims will be able to elect Restricted Reporting unless:

• The victim directly reports the incident to law enforcement.

• The victim previously filed an Unrestricted Report with a signed DD 2910 for the same incident.

This does not negate command reporting requirements, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigation, and tracking at the Case Management Group (CMG).
 

UNRESTRICTED REPORTING

Unrestricted reporting allows victims of sexual assault to receive appropriate medical treatment, victim advocacy, and counseling services. Unrestricted Reporting informs the victim's chain of command, affords maximum protection of the victim from his or her offender, and ensures a thorough investigation of the circumstances of the assault in order to hold offenders accountable for their criminal conduct.

In order to make a fully informed choice between restricted versus unrestricted reporting, speak to a SAPR Victim Advocate in the unit, or speak to a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), or with a SAPR civilian victim advocate (760) 590-2378.
 

ROLE OF VICTIM ADVOCATE

Sexual Assault is the most under reported crime in our society and in the military. While the Department of Defense prefers complete reporting of sexual assaults to activate both victims' services and law enforcement actions, it recognizes that some victims desire only medical and support services and no command or law enforcement involvement. The Department believes its first priority is for victims to be protected, treated with dignity and respect, and to receive the medical treatment, care and counseling that they deserve. Under DoD's Confidentiality Policy, military victims of sexual assault have two reporting options - Restricted reporting and Unrestricted reporting. Military retirees, dependents, and other civilian victims currently may use only Unrestricted reporting.

The SVAs provide essential support and care to the victim to include providing non-clinical information on available options and resources to assist the victim in making informed decisions as they progress through resolution and healing. A SAPR Victim Advocate may be military or civilian. The SAPR VA maintains communications and contact with the victim as needed for continued victim support.

ROLE OF THE INSTALLATION VICTIM ADVOCATE AND SAPR VICTIM ADVOCATE

• Support: continuous victim support throughout the process

• Information: provides all information to the victim so that he/she can make the best decision

• Referral for Resources: Serve as liaison between victim and service providers

• Support through initial/ongoing investigation

• Support through court proceedings

• Conduct annual sexual assault training and pre-deployment sexual assault briefs for commands

• Reports directly to Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) for Victim Advocate duties

• SAPR VA provides victim support until able to conduct a warm hand off to an Installation Victim Advocate

• Facilitates Monthly Case Status Updates

• Available to respond 24/7

To confidentially reach a SAPR Victim Advocate 24/7 call (760) 590-2378