If you are in need of immediate confidential assistance, please visit https://safehelpline.org/nearme  or Chat Live with someone now. 

***You do not have to tell law enforcement or your commander about your sexual assault in order to receive care or assistance***

 

 

 

What is sexual assault? Includes rape, assault, abusive sexual contact, nonconsensual sodomy and indecent assaultIf you experience sexual assault. Get to safe, secure location. If possible, don't bathe. Visit an emergency room if medical assistance needed. Click to contact a Sexual Assault Coordinator.

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Secretary of The Air Force Frank Kendall - Message on Sexual Assault and Harassment

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SEXUAL VIOLENCE SUPPORT & EXPERIENCES STUDY (SVSES)

What is the SVSES? ​

The SVSES will allow the DoD to learn directly from Service members about their experiences with sexual violence, and, specifically, sexual assault. The surveys are completely confidential and ask questions about Service member satisfaction with support services, aspects of the military justice process, and questions about Service member health, well-being, and career progression.

The study is sponsored by the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

In order to continue improving the military’s support services and accountability processes, it’s important to hear from Service members. Traditionally, OPA has collected feedback from Service members at a single point in time. However, we know that perceptions and experiences may change over time; that’s why the SVSES is a continuous effort. Service members who join the study will take a 30-minute initial survey followed by a series of less than 10-minute follow-up surveys.

Who Can Participate?

The SVSES is open to all members of the Active and Reserve components who have experienced sexual assault in the military. Service members can join the study at any time.

Why Should I Take the Survey? ​

Data from the SVSES will provide DoD policy offices and Service branch leaders with information about the impact of sexual assault on Service members and inform ways to improve Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs and policies.​

How can I take the survey?​

To participate in the SVSES, please visit www.surveysdrc.com/svses

 

---------------> Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)?
The SARC is a Department of Defense employee who manages the installation Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program, serves as the subject matter expert to installation leadership, and coordinates 24/7 victim care and case management for adult (18 years and older) sexual assault victims from initial reporting through legal disposition and resolution. The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) manages allegations when the alleged offender is the partner in context of a spousal relationship, same sex domestic partnership, unmarried intimate partner relationship or military dependents who are 17 years of age and younger.

What is a SAPR Victim Advocate (VA)?
A SAPR VA serves as the installation’s primary sexual assault victim advocate, providing support, advocacy, and liaison services to eligible military and civilian sexual assault victims in accordance with DoD and AF policies. SAPR VAs report directly to the SARC.

Who is eligible for SAPR support services?  
Active duty members, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members and their dependents (18 years and older) who are eligible for treatment in the military health system, as well as Air Force civilian appropriated and non-appropriated employees.

Can I speak to a Chaplain about sexual assault?
Yes.  You may speak to a chaplain any time.  Chaplains provide confidential spiritual advice. Although Chaplains do not take official reports of sexual assault, Chaplains can connect you with your local SARC or SAPR VA (at your request). 

Can I report a sexual assault to a SARC from another service or base?
If you are eligible for SAPR support services, you may file a report with any DoD SARC regardless of location. However, Air Force civilians are currently the only DoD employees eligible to SAPR services and must engage with Air Force SARCs and SAPR victim advocates (as opposed to other military branches).

 

--------------->ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) - The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.  RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE in partnership with more than a thousand local sexual assault service providers across the country. It also operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. 

Psychological Health Center of Excellence - PHCoE.  Provides psychological health information and connects service members/families with resources.  1-866-966-1020   

Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) - OVC administers the Crime Victims Fund channels funding for victim compensation and assistance throughout the United States, raises awareness about victims’ issues, promotes compliance with victims’ rights laws, and provides training and technical assistance  and publications and products to victim assistance professionals.

American Psychiatric Association - The American Psychiatric Association is the world's largest psychiatric organization. It is a medical specialty society representing more than 33,000 psychiatric physicians from the United States and around the world. Its member physicians work together to ensure humane care and effective treatment. 

American Psychological Association - The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA is the world's largest association of psychologists, with more than 137,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members. 

CLICK TO ENLARGE OR PRINT CATCH INFO SHEET

Image of CATCH Program Victim Info Sheet. Click to download and print.

Survivor Rights to Civilian Courts information graphic

CATCH A SERIAL/REPEAT OFFENDER (CATCH) PROGRAM

  • As of 30 June 2023, eligible adult sexual assault victims can now submit a CATCH entry by requesting a DD Form 2910-4, without first filing a Restricted or Unrestricted Report of sexual assault.
  • When the sexual assault offender's name is not known by law enforcement, victims may anonymously enter suspect information in the CATCH database and determine if a suspect is a repeat/serial offender.
  • If the CATCH entry matches another case or investigation, the victim is notified.  Every step in the process is voluntary and victims may elect not to participate at any time. 
  • The goal of the CATCH Program is to identify serial/repeat sexual assault offenders.
  • For more information about CATCH, click here to contact a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA) near you.
  • If you prefer to read more about the CATCH program, please click here Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) Program | SAPR

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