United States Air Force Academy

Units > SAPR > Glossary

Glossary

ART -- The Academy Response Team

The Academy Response Team was developed to provide multidisciplinary support to all Academy personnel -- cadets, permanent party Airmen, civilians, contractors and family members -- who are involved in sexual assault allegations. The ART's support ranges from immediate victim care to extended survivor support throughout the investigative and legal process and assists with medical care issues, spiritual needs and command interests.

The ART advocates for instructional change through educational outreach to the Academy military and local community on prevention and response to these crimes. The ART also works to build communication and collaboration among local helping agencies that serve crime victims to ensure positive transitions to healthy outcomes.

SA -- Sexual Assault

The term "sexual assault" is used as a catchall term and may have a variety of meanings. Usually, sexual assault refers to a specific act of sexual violence.

Survivors and advocates generally recognize two categories of sexual assault: acquaintance assault and stranger assault. Although sexual assault can take many forms, the loss of power and control is a common thread.

In many sexual assault cases, the victim and perpetrator know each other. They may be friends, acquaintances or even family members. A close personal relationship, however, is not necessary for an attack to be considered acquaintance sexual assault. In approximately 80 percent of sexual assault cases, the victim and perpetrator have some type of relationship.

Date rape is a type of sexual assault that occurs within the context of a date. The term "date" is used very generally to describe many different kinds of social situations. Additionally, although date rape drugs such as Rohypnol and gamma hydroxybutyrate or GHB have received a great deal of attention, many date rapes predominantly involve alcohol or other "recreational" drugs.

Tiers

The ART consists of two tiers. The first tier includes the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, victim advocates, a judge advocate liaison and an Air Force Office of Special Investigations Liaison. The second tier includes chaplains, medical personnel and counselors.

Tier One members are first responders when a sexual assault is reported. Tier One works in conjunction with AFOSI, answering victims' questions while agents gather important details of the alleged incident. After the initial response, the ART conducts long-term care management, where they "flight follow" all members involved in ART cases.

The ART realizes that being involved in an investigation of this nature can be very stressful on all parties involved. Therefore, services in the counseling center and the chaplain's office are provided for each member if they desire to take advantage of the help. Squadron leadership is also involved in the process to ensure the members have support in all areas.

Victim Advocate

Victim advocates provide support, liaison services and care to the victim. However, victim advocates are not counselors. Their responsibilities include providing crisis intervention, referral and ongoing non-clinical support, including information and available options and resources to assist the victim in making informed decisions about his or her case. Victim advocate services continue until the victim states that he or she no longer needs support. Victim advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Inside USAFA