The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) policy established by Department of Defense Directive 6495.01 was developed in 2005. This policy addresses issues related to victim treatment, response, sexual assault prevention efforts, and accountability. Within this policy, the term "sexual assault" refers to all types of sexual offenses including rape. Although the Uniform Code of Military Justice specifically defines all sexual crimes and charges, the SAPR definition is intended for training and education purposes only.

The most significant changes under the SAPR policy include new reporting options for victims and access to victim advocates and Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs). These changes are described briefly below.

Reporting Options

The DoD SAPR policy (DoD Directive 6495.01, "Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program", October 6, 2005, Incorporating Change 1, November 7, 2008) and procedure (DoD Instruction 6495.02, "Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Procedures", June 23, 2006, Incorporating Change 1, November 13, 2008) established two reporting options for victims of sexual assault: restricted and unrestricted reporting.

Restricted reporting allows for sexual assault victims to make a confidential report to designated service providers and to receive medical care, counseling, and the support of a victim advocate without triggering an official investigation of the crime. Under the restricted reporting option, victims may disclose the sexual assault to the SARC, a victim advocate, or a medical or mental healthcare provider. Although victims may also talk confidentially to a chaplain, a chaplain cannot take a restricted report. There are some exceptions to confidentiality under the restricted reporting option, such as instances in which there is a serious threat to the safety of the victim or another individual.

The unrestricted reporting option initiates the process of an official investigation and, therefore, does not provide for confidentiality. This option allows command and/or law enforcement to investigate the incident and to possibly hold the offender accountable. Unrestricted reporting offers the victim the option to openly address other concerns with command, such as transfer requests, concerns about collateral misconduct, or any further harassment or threats by the offender. Victims are also entitled to receive medical care, counseling, or the support of a victim advocate with unrestricted reporting.

The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)

SARCs are the primary contact person at an installation or within a geographic area responsible for the SAPR Program in their community. This includes ensuring the coordination of care for victims of sexual assault with the victim advocates. They are considered restricted reporters, but they can also assist victims with unrestricted reports. SARCs can be military personnel, DoD civilian employees, or DoD contractors under the senior installation commander's supervision.

The Victim Advocate

Victim advocates provide support and assistance for victims of sexual assault under the SAPR Program. They are considered restricted reporters, but they can also assist victims with unrestricted reports. They can also provide referrals or coordinate victim care, but they are not counselors or therapists. Victim advocates can be military personnel, DoD civilian employees, DoD contractors, or volunteers. They report to the SARC when performing the duties of a victim advocate.