Confidentiality, coordinators help victims of sexual assault Published Oct. 25, 2005 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Military people who are victims of sexual assault now have the option of making a confidential report and receiving medical assistance without initiating a military investigation. A new Department of Defense policy establishes sexual assault response coordinators at all military installations, including Air Force Reserve Command bases. SARCs help people who want to report sexual assault, without involving law enforcement, and who may need assistance in accessing military and community support. Maj. Denise Thompson, chief of behavioral health at AFRC headquarters at Robins AFB, said interim SARCs are trained and in place at all command bases. The command is in the process of hiring permanent coordinators. In 2004, the Air Force reported 456 sexual assaults either committed by or against its members. Officials estimate more than 80 percent of sexual assaults go unreported and that one in three women and one in six men will be sexually victimized during their lifetime. One reason victims hesitate to report sexual assaults is they don’t want to get involved in any subsequent law enforcement investigation or criminal trial. This new DOD policy allows military victims time to determine if they want to go through an investigation and subsequent trial. “To encourage victims to report sexual assault, DOD has mandated that an option of making a restricted (confidential) report be available to all military personnel,” Major Thompson said. A restricted report allows victims to receive medical care and counseling, along with access to a victim advocate, but does not initiate the investigative process or notification to the commander. Air Force reservists may report a sexual assault to a SARC at any time, but only sexual assaults that occur during military status will be eligible for restricted reporting, the major said. Sexual assaults occurring while reservists are in civilian status will be referred to a local agency for medical care and may be reported to the local authorities. A report of a civilian sexual assault does not require a report to a commander. “With restricted reporting, the victim will be provided information regarding the collection of evidence,” Major Thompson said. “Any evidence collected will be maintained for up to one year, allowing the victim to choose to have an investigation at a later date. Only SARCs are able to determine if a sexual assault meets the restricted report requirements.” Health-care providers will administer appropriate emergency medical care and notify the SARC immediately to initiate the restricted reporting process and will have confidentiality regarding the report, Major Thompson said. Health-care providers and medical professionals will not contact security forces as previously required. Reports of sexual assault made to chaplains are not considered restricted but do remain privileged. Chaplains, in turn, will assist victims in notifying a SARC so the victims will have the restricted report option. “Currently, when a report of sexual assault is made through normal reporting channels, which include the victim’s chain of command, law enforcement, the Office of Special Investigations or other criminal investigative services, it is known as an unrestricted report,” Major Thompson said. “Unrestricted reports immediately initiate an investigation. Still, the SARC will be notified, and support will be provided to the victim throughout the investigation. “Third-party reports can be made to the SARC, but the victim will have to notify the SARC for a restricted report. If a third-party reports a sexual assault to any other agency, then the normal investigation process will occur.” Major Thompson said it is extremely important that victims of sexual assault seek assistance. “Victims need to realize that help is available and that they don’t have to go through this experience alone,” she said. “DOD and the Air Force are committed to taking care of victims with sensitivity, dignity and respect. We hope that the restricted report option will encourage more people to come forward and report sexual assault.” Under the SARC program, sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. It includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling) or attempts to commit these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender, spousal relationship or age of the victim. In addition to helping victims obtain the help they need, SARCs have oversight responsibility for a network of victim advocates, serve as chairpersons of a case management group, track the disposition of all military sexual assault cases for their designated area of responsibility, provide regular updates to the vice wing commander and assist with training. More information about the new DOD sexual assault reporting policy is available from base SARCs or Major Thompson at DSN 497-0391 or (478) 327-0391. Her e-mail address is denise.thompson@afrc.af.mil