Sexual assault awareness essential

  • Published
  • By Kathy McCoole
  • Warren Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  The Department of Defense takes a concerted stand against sexual assault. With April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this annual observation reminds people to increase their knowledge and promote prevention of this crime through special events and public education. The theme is "Stand Up Against Sexual Assault -- Make a Difference." 

This theme encompasses an attitude toward prevention of this violent crime, reminding everyone that they, leaders, peers and subordinates, can make differences through actions. Lack of action exacerbates the crime. DoD policies address sexual assault prevention, seeking to establish a climate of confidence: 
- Education and training create an environment where sexual assault and the attitudes that promote it are not tolerated. 
- Victims of sexual assault receive the care and support they need.
- Offenders are held accountable for their actions. 

Sexual assault is one of the most under-reported violent crimes in America today. Since the military is not impervious to this trend, DoD strives to ensure service members are aware sexual assault crimes are not tolerated. To combat sexual assault, DoD has implemented the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program, which incorporates a policy that reinforces a culture of prevention, response and accountability.
 
The goal of the SAPR program is to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of all members of the Armed Forces through training and education programs, treatment and support of victims. 

Since 2004, advancements in reporting options have helped create a climate of confidence in reporting. One of the policies implemented in 2005 was the restricted reporting option, which enabled victims to come forward without triggering the investigative process and still receive the care they deserve. Sixty-five percent of the increase in sexual assault reports involving service members can be attributed to the restricted reporting option that began in June 2005. This alternate choice, coupled with enhanced awareness of sexual assault and vigorous training, has encouraged more victims to take a stand against their assailant. 

Giving first-class care to a victim, regardless of where he or she is located, constitutes the core of the DoD SAPR program. In order to provide consistent levels of care to victims, local sexual assault response coordinators and victim advocates respond to assaults, ensuring the appropriate level of care is provided to each victim. Heath care providers, law enforcement, criminal investigators, judge advocates and chaplains also play significant roles in response. 

SARCs manage each installation's sexual assault prevention and response program, serving as the single point of contact to coordinate sexual assault victim care and tracking the services provided to the victim from initial report of a sexual assault through resolution of the victim's health and well-being. The SARC primarily provides management and oversight of victim care, and the Veteran Affairs provides direct response to victims 24 hours a day. Veteran Affairs assist victims in navigating the military's response network. They are not counselors, therapists or investigators, but instead, they furnish accurate and comprehensive information on available options and resources so the victim can make informed decisions about their care and involvement in the investigative process.