SAPR provides direction for victims

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Since its Department of Defense-wide standup in 2005, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program has been helping educate and train members as well as respond to cases of sexual assault.

As the name indicates, the program is separated into two different aspects: prevention and response.

The prevention portion focuses mainly on training and awareness, making sure that Service members have a clear understanding of what defines a sexual assault. They're also provided with a wealth of information such as how to help prevent and report sexual assaults and resources available for victims.

In addition, the program trains victim advocates (VAs) to assist and empower victims throughout the entire process.

"A victim of sexual assault is going through so much emotionally that they don't fully understand everything that's going on," said Nancy Pike, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. "VAs, through their training, know what to look out for with the victims and are able to explain to them the [program's] process."

Becoming a VA involves a rigorous amount of training to ensure victims receive the maximum amount of support possible. According to Pike, applicants have to undergo 40 hours of training, a background check, an interview with their local SARC and must become certified by the National Organization for Victim Assistance.

The second part of the program centers on responding to victims' needs once the assault has been reported. Depending on the type of report, restricted or unrestricted, determines what steps will be taken next.

A restricted report is available to military personnel and their adult dependents over the age of 18 and provides them the option of receiving medical treatment and counseling without triggering an investigation. The only way to choose this form of report is by disclosing the details of the crime to the SARC, a VA or a healthcare provider.

An unrestricted report provides the victim with the same treatment, but allows for the criminal investigation process to begin.

A VA is offered to a victim of sexual assault regardless of what type of report they elect to make. They also have the option to request a Special Victims' Counsel (SVC).

The SVC pilot program, initiated Air Force-wide in January, helps explain the legal aspects resulting from an unrestricted report. The success of the program will determine if it will be adopted throughout the DoD.

"We can be assigned whether it's a restricted or unrestricted report," said Capt. Benjamin DeYoung, SVC judge advocate general officer. "Often times, it's very beneficial for the victim to have an attorney they can talk to confidentially, even at the restricted level. That way they can make a fully-informed decision on whether they want to go unrestricted and really understand what the court martial process is like."

According to Gen. Mark Welsh III, Air Force Chief of Staff, responses to the program have been overwhelmingly positive.

The procedures following a sexual assault can be difficult to navigate alone. The SAPR program is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To report a sexual assault, call the SARC office on base at (919) 722-7272 or the DoD Safe Helpline at (877) 995-5247.