Resources

There are numerous resources available to support service members and their families following a sexual assault. Information and assistance is available through each branch of the military, DoD, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and on the Internet. In addition, all military commands have assigned Sexual Abuse Response Coordinators (SARCs) who have received comprehensive training in preventing and responding to sexual assault.  Military units also have an active duty or civilian victim advocate who can provide information and support for sexual assault victims on active duty.  The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is available to address family violence in military families, including child abuse and sexual abuse of minors.  Every installation that supports families has a FAP program. 

Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting Resources

Service members can go to several resources for help or information after a sexual assault, depending on whether they are making a restricted or unrestricted report.

For unrestricted (non-confidential) reporting, service members can go to:

• chain of command
• law enforcement
• Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or victim advocate
• healthcare providers (including mental health counselors)
• chaplains

For restricted (confidential) reporting, service members can go to:

• SARC or victim advocate
• healthcare providers
• chaplains

SARC

The primary role of the SARC is to ensure that victims of sexual assault receive appropriate and responsive care. The SARCs serve as the single point of contact for coordinating victim care with advocates and the military community.  Other responsibilities of the SARCs include:

• referring victims to victim advocates and overseeing cases
• conducting case management to track services provided to the victim from initial report to resolution to ensure appropriate and responsive care
• tracking/reporting sexual assault case data for reporting purposes only
• overseeing training for victim advocates and other members of the military community

Victim Advocates

Victim advocates offer support and information to victims about options and resources available to them in the aftermath of a sexual assault.  A victim advocate is available to respond twenty-four hours a day regardless of whether the victim wants to make a restricted or an unrestricted report.  The services they can provide (to the extent the victim wants these services) include:

• crisis intervention
• referrals for counseling or other services
• ongoing non-clinical support
• guidance and information regarding options, policies, and procedures
• advocacy throughout the medical or criminal justice process, including attending appointments, meetings, or hearings with the victim

 

• Links to Branch Support Services
• Links to Additional Resources