Who do you call?

  • Published
  • By Mary Brown
  • 90th Missile Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  F. E. Warren has the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate, and the Victim & Witness Assistance Program. So, which is the right one to call?

In case of a sexual assault, which is intentional sexual contact, by use of force, physical threat, or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent, victims should call the SARC. The 24-hour help line is 773-6444. The SARC maintains total confidentiality. That means, what people tell them, stays with them. The SARC cannot report actions to the Office of Special Investigations or security forces or commanders -- even if the caller was doing something illegal.

Active-duty members and their dependents, 18 years and older, have the option for a restricted report. This means the victim can report the incident to "specified personnel" without initiating an investigation. Specified personnel include the SARC, a military healthcare provider, a chaplain or an on-duty victim advocate. This allows access to medical care, counseling and a victim advocate, but there is no report to law enforcement or to the commander.

The inclusion of the dependents 18 and older is a recent addition to the option for a restricted report. Civilians and retirees do not have this option. If the individual prefers, an unrestricted report can be made.

In this case, the incident can be reported through normal reporting channels, which includes the chain of command and law enforcement, on or off base. If the SARC is not involved initially, they will be notified and assign a victim advocate.

The victim advocate can accompany the member to medical appointments or, in the case of unrestricted reports, to investigative sessions or even court if the victim desires. The victim advocate provides services until the individual says support is no longer needed. Details of the allegations will only be provided to those with a need to know. Even the SARC and victim advocate do not need to know the specifics unless the individual wants to talk about it.

The victim of the assault can file a restricted report initially and then decide to do an unrestricted report later -- the option is theirs. However, it is important to know that one cannot do an unrestricted report and then change it to restricted report.
The important take away here is that the SARC has complete confidentiality and the victim has the option of doing a restricted and/or unrestricted report.
Domestic violence is also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence and intimate partner violence. It is a pattern of behavior which involves the abuse by one partner against another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, cohabitation, dating or within the family.

Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical aggression or assault (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing objects, battery), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering behavior; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation.

For cases of domestic abuse, the DAVA has limited confidentiality but also offers the restricted reporting option. This allows victims of domestic violence the option of receiving medical treatment, advocacy and counseling without triggering the official investigative process or command involvement.Unrestricted reporting is also an option -- victims receive medical treatment, advocacy, counseling and an official investigation of their allegations.

The DAVA can assist with safety planning, coordination of emergency services, emergency relocation and assistance in obtaining protection orders. They advocate victims' needs to the command, coordinate with agencies on and off base and accompany victims to court proceedings, courts martial and/or trials. They also escort victims to meetings with lawyers, police, command and medical appointments, if requested, and provide information on the Transitional Compensation Program.

The DAVA also has a 24 hour phone number: 274-9045. Again, it is important to know that a restricted report of domestic abuse can only be made to the victim advocate or medical provider.

Once law enforcement is involved and investigating the case, a VWAP advocate is available to help crime victims and witnesses of serious crimes. A serious crime is a criminal offense that involves personal violence, attempted or threatened personal violence, or significant property loss.

Subject to available resources, operational commitments and military constraints, the VWAP works to ease the physical, emotional and financial hardships suffered by the victim and/or witness. They also support the victim in understanding and navigating the military justice system. Like the SARC and DAVA, the VWAP also provides information on services and resources available on and off base. VWAPs interact with lawyers and commanders to help ensure the victim's situation is respected, and that the victims have a voice in the process. Like the SARC and DAVA, VWAPs keep victims informed of the status of the investigation and prosecution. Unlike the SARC and DAVA, the VWAP does not have confidentiality--they are in the business of ensuring victims are aware of all their rights and resources while taking legal action.

They do not have a 24-hour number, but can be reached during duty hours at 773-3329.

The bottom line is the SARC has total confidentiality, the DAVA has limited confidentiality and the VWAP has no confidentiality. The SARC and the DAVA both offer the opportunity for restricted reporting, but the VWAP does not. They are all available to assist the victim, but cannot do anything unless someone calls them. If someone needs help, they should call the appropriate agency.