By Duty Status

The DoD works to ensure that every survivor of sexual assault is treated with the sensitivity they deserve, the privacy they prefer, and the responsive support they need. Reporting is encouraged - either an Unrestricted Report or Restricted Report - because reporting this crime is essential to deliver care and hold offenders appropriately accountable.

Whether you are an Active Duty, Reserve Component, Transitioning Service Member, Veteran, DoD Civilian, adult DoD Dependent, or DoD Contractor, find information and resources designed to meet the unique needs of a victim of sexual assault below.

If you are not affiliated with the DoD, resources and assistance may be available to you through the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

Active duty Service members, National Guard members, and Reserve Component members are eligible to receive Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) advocacy services from a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or SAPR Victim Advocate (VA) regardless of whether the assault took place while on active duty, prior to enlistment or commissioning, or while performing inactive duty training. All Service members are eligible to file either an Unrestricted Report or Restricted Report.

A SARC or SAPR VA addresses safety needs, explains the reporting options, services available, and assists with navigating the military criminal justice process. SARCs and SAPR VAs offer expertise to prepare victims for the road ahead and will advocate on behalf of a victim along the way. They provide professional assistance with obtaining medical care, counseling services, legal and spiritual support, and obtaining off-base resources, if so desired. Find additional information regarding the responsibilities of SARCs and SAPR VAs in DoD Directive 6495.01.

In support of a victim of sexual assault who files an Unrestricted Report, a Case Management Group (CMG) is convened with the responsibility of ensuring the victim receives the care they deserve and are made aware of the investigative and legal proceedings.

In addition to assigning a SARC and/or SAPR VA, the DoD makes the following SAPR services or policy support available to active duty Service members:

  • Reporting Options – Unrestricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to report crimes without requesting confidentiality of their allegations. DoD law enforcement initiates an investigation, and the chain of command is notified. Restricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to confidentially report the crime to specified individuals without triggering an investigation. Information provided to the chain of command does not reveal personally identifying information about the victim or alleged offender. More information is available here.
  • DoD Safe Helpline – Free, anonymous, confidential, 24/7 worldwide helpline for members of the DoD community. Access the Safe Helpline here.
  • Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) / Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC) / Victims’ Counsel (VC) – Each of the Services provides an SVC/VLC/VC. These lawyers are experienced trial attorneys who understand the legal process and guide victims through the judicial process. Learn more about the Services’ SVC/VLC/VC programs here.
  • Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC) - The Military Departments established their respective OSTC) to independently evaluate covered criminal allegations, effectively prosecute cases warranted by the evidence, and promote trust in the military justice system. Learn more about OSTCs here.
  • Victims’ Bill of Rights – The DoD guarantees a victim’s rights. More information is available here.
  • Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) – The VWAP helps give victims a voice and keeps them informed of the status of the investigation and prosecution. Learn more about VWAP here.
  • Expedited Transfer – Service members who have been the victim of sexual assault and have filed an Unrestricted Report have the option to request an expedited transfer from their unit and/or installation. Learn more about Expedited Transfers in DoDI 6495.02.

Additional Resources

The DoD provides full SAPR support to Reserve Component members who are sexually assaulted when performing active service, as defined in section 101(d)(3) of Title 10, United States Code, and inactive-duty training, as defined in section 101(d)(7) of Title 10, United States Code. If reporting a sexual assault that occurred prior to or while not performing active service or inactive duty training, Reserve Component members will be eligible to receive limited SAPR support services from a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) and a SAPR Victim Advocate (VA) and are eligible to file an Unrestricted Report or Restricted Report.

A SARC or SAPR VA addresses safety needs, explains the reporting options, services available, and assists with navigating the military criminal justice process. SARCs and SAPR VAs offer expertise to prepare victims for the road ahead and will advocate on behalf of a victim along the way. They provide professional assistance with obtaining medical care, counseling services, legal and spiritual support, and obtaining off-base resources, if so desired. Find additional information regarding the responsibilities of SARCs and SAPR VAs in DoD Directive 6495.01.

In support of a victim of sexual assault who files an Unrestricted Report, a Case Management Group (CMG) is convened with the responsibility of ensuring the victim receives the care they deserve and are made aware of the investigative and legal proceedings.

In addition to assigning a SARC and/or SAPR VA, the DoD makes the following SAPR services or policy support available to Reserve Component members on active service or inactive-duty training:

  • Reporting Options – Unrestricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to report crimes without requesting confidentiality of their allegations. DoD law enforcement initiates an investigation, and the chain of command is notified. Restricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to confidentially report the crime to specified individuals without triggering an investigation. Information provided to the chain of command does not reveal personally identifying information about the victim or alleged offender. More information is available here.
  • DoD Safe Helpline – Free, anonymous, confidential, and 24/7 worldwide helpline for members of the DoD community. Access the Safe Helpline here.
  • Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) / Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC) / Victims’ Counsel (VC) – Each of the Services provides an SVC/VLC/VC. These lawyers are experienced trial attorneys who understand the legal process and guide victims through the judicial process. Learn more about the Services’ SVC/VLC/VC programs here.
  • Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC) - The Military Departments established their respective OSTC to independently evaluate covered criminal allegations, effectively prosecute cases warranted by the evidence, and promote trust in the military justice system. Learn more about OSTCs here.
  • Victims’ Bill of Rights – The DoD guarantees a victim’s rights. More information is available here.
  • Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) – The VWAP helps give victims a voice and keeps them informed of the status of the investigation and prosecution. Learn more about VWAP here.
  • Expedited Transfer – Service members who have been the victim of sexual assault and have filed an Unrestricted Report have the option to request an expedited transfer from their unit and/or installation. Learn more about Expedited Transfers in DoDI 6495.02.

Additional Resources

A transitioning Service member is an individual separating or retiring from the military who is within 12 months of separation or within 24 months of retirement. The DoD anticipates a substantial increase in the number of Service members transitioning out of the military in the coming years.

Similar to active duty Service members, transitioning Service members are eligible to receive SAPR advocacy services from a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or SAPR Victim Advocate (VA) regardless of whether the assault took place while on active duty, prior to enlistment or commissioning, while on transitioning status, or performing inactive duty training. Transitioning Service Members are eligible to file either an Unrestricted Report or Restricted Report.

A SARC or SAPR VA addresses safety needs, explains the reporting options, services available, and assists with navigating the military criminal justice process. SARCs and SAPR VAs offer expertise to prepare victims for the road ahead and will advocate on behalf of a victim along the way. They provide professional assistance with obtaining medical care, counseling services, legal and spiritual support, and obtaining off-base resources, if so desired. They will also provide the name and contact information of the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator to assist with medical care and benefits claims information. Find additional information regarding the responsibilities of SARCs and SAPR VAs in DoD Directive 6495.01.

In support of a victim of sexual assault who files an Unrestricted Report, a Case Management Group (CMG) is convened with the responsibility of ensuring the victim receives the care they deserve and are made aware of the investigative and legal proceedings.

In addition to assigning a SARC and/or SAPR VA, the DoD makes the following SAPR services or policy support available to transitioning Service members:

  • Reporting Options – Unrestricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to report crimes without requesting confidentiality of their allegations. DoD law enforcement initiates an investigation, and the chain of command is notified. Restricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to confidentially report the crime to specified individuals without triggering an investigation. Information provided to the chain of command does not reveal personally identifying information about the victim or alleged offender. More information is available here.
  • DoD Safe Helpline – Free, anonymous, confidential, and 24/7 worldwide helpline for members of the DoD community. Access the Safe Helpline here.
  • Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) / Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC) / Victims’ Counsel (VC) – Each of the Services provides an SVC/VLC/VC. These lawyers are experienced trial attorneys who understand the legal process and guide victims through the judicial process. Learn more about the Services’ SVC/VLC/VC programs here.
  • Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC) - The Military Departments established their respective OSTC to independently evaluate covered criminal allegations, effectively prosecute cases warranted by the evidence, and promote trust in the military justice system. Learn more about OSTCs here.
  • Victims’ Bill of Rights – The DoD guarantees a victim’s rights. More information is available here.
  • Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) – The VWAP helps give victims a voice and keeps them informed of the status of the investigation and prosecution. Learn more about VWAP here.
  • Expedited Transfer – Service members who have been the victim of sexual assault and have filed an Unrestricted Report have the option to request an expedited transfer from their unit and/or installation. Learn more about Expedited Transfers in DoDI 6495.02.

Additional Resources

Although not covered by DoD policy, a Veteran suffering from military sexual trauma (MST) can find assistance and resources through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In December 2014, the VA announced expanded eligibility for Veterans in need of mental health care due to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred during their Military Service. This expansion, which primarily pertains to National Guard and Reserve Component members participating in weekend drill, gives the authority to offer Veterans the appropriate care and services needed to treat conditions resulting from MST that occurred during a period of inactive duty training. Read the full VA press release here.

For more information, read the Quick Facts About VA’s Health Care Services for Military Sexual Assault.

Veterans experiencing the effects of MST can find support and shared experiences here. Additional resources and assistance can be found at SafeHelpline.org.

The DoD is committed to responding to the needs of all members of the DoD community, and that is certainly true of the many dedicated civilians who support our mission.

Eligibility for DoD civilians: Non-military individuals who are employed by the DoD and a victim of sexual assault are eligible for limited emergency care medical services at a military treatment facility, unless that individual is otherwise eligible as a Service member or TRICARE beneficiary of the military health system to receive treatment in a military treatment facility at no cost. DoD civilian employees and their family dependents, 18 years of age and older, when they are stationed or performing duties outside of the continental United States, and eligible for treatment in the military healthcare system at military installations or facilities continental United States.

DoD-provided services include:

  • Reporting Options - Unrestricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to report crimes without requesting confidentiality of their allegations. DoD law enforcement initiates an investigation, and the chain of command is notified. Restricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to confidentially report the crime to specified individuals without triggering an investigation. Information provided to the chain of command does not reveal personally identifying information about the victim or alleged offender. More information is available here.
  • Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or SAPR Victim Advocate (VA) – SARCs and SAPR VAs can facilitate getting professional assistance with obtaining medical care, counseling services, legal and spiritual support, and obtaining off-base resources, if so desired. More information available in DoD Directive 6495.01.
    • If the Military Criminal Investigative Organization (MCIO) has jurisdiction over a DoD civilian’s Unrestricted Report of sexual assault, a SARC or SAPR VA can provide professional assistance with obtaining medical care, counseling services, legal and spiritual support, and obtaining off-base resources.
    • If the MCIO does not have jurisdiction, the case falls to local law enforcement. A SARC or SAPR VA can help by identifying the appropriate referrals to the civilian community for assistance and/or while undergoing emergency care outside the continental United States.

 

In addition to assigning a SARC and/or SAPR VA, the DoD makes the following SAPR services or policy support available to DoD civilians:

  • DoD Safe Helpline – Free, anonymous, confidential, and 24/7 worldwide helpline for members of the DoD community. Access the Safe Helpline here.
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline – Local community resources can be found through the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
  • Victims’ Bill of Rights – The DoD guarantees a victim’s rights. More information is available here.
  • Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) – The VWAP helps give victims a voice and keeps them informed of the status of the investigation and prosecution. Learn more about VWAP here.
  • Legal Support for DoD Civilians – Although DoD civilians are not eligible for SVC/VLC/VC services, they can retain their own legal counsel for military judicial proceedings.

 

Additional Resources

The DoD is committed to responding to the needs of all members of the DoD community, including extended members of the community.

DoD-provided services include:

  • Adult dependents of military personnel – Sexual assault response services are provided to military dependents, 18 years of age and older who are eligible for treatment in the military healthcare system, at installations in the continental United States and outside of the continental United States, and who were victims of sexual assault perpetrated by someone other than a spouse or intimate partner.
  • Adult dependents of civilian employees – For individuals who are victims of sexual assault, only limited emergency care medical services at a military treatment facility are provided, unless that individual is otherwise eligible as a Service member or TRICARE beneficiary of the military healthcare system to receive treatment in a military treatment facility at no cost.
  • Adult dependents of military personnel may file an Unrestricted Report or Restricted Report of sexual assault. Adult dependents of civilian employees may only utilize the Unrestricted Reporting option.
  • The Family Advocacy Program (FAP), consistent with DoDD 6400.01 (Reference (o)) and DoD Instruction DoDI 6400.06 (Reference (p)) covers adult military dependent sexual assault victims who are assaulted by a spouse or intimate partner and military dependent sexual assault victims who are 17 years of age and younger. The installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) and the installation FAP and domestic violence intervention and prevention staff shall direct coordination when a sexual assault occurs within a domestic relationship or involves child abuse.
  • Assistance of a SARC or SAPR Victim Advocate (VA):
    • If the Military Criminal Investigative Organization (MCIO) has jurisdiction over a DoD civilian’s Unrestricted Report of sexual assault, a SARC or SAPR VA can provide professional assistance with obtaining medical care, counseling services, legal and spiritual support, and obtaining off-base resources, if so desired.
    • If the MCIO does not have jurisdiction, the case falls to local law enforcement. A SARC or SAPR VA can help by identifying the appropriate referrals to the civilian community for assistance and/or while undergoing emergency care outside the continental United States.

In addition to assigning a SARC and/or SAPR VA, the DoD makes the following SAPR services or policy support available to dependents of military or civilian personnel:

  • Reporting Options – Unrestricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to report crimes without requesting confidentiality of their allegations. DoD law enforcement initiates an investigation, and the chain of command is notified. Restricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to confidentially report the crime to specified individuals without triggering an investigation. Information provided to the chain of command does not reveal personally identifying information about the victim or alleged offender. More information is available here.
  • DoD Safe Helpline – Free, anonymous, confidential, and 24/7 worldwide helpline for members of the DoD community. Access the Safe Helpline here.
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline – Local community resources can be found through the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
  • Victims’ Bill of Rights – The DoD guarantees a victim’s rights. More information is available here.
  • Legal Support for DoD Dependents – Although DoD dependents are not eligible for SVC/VLC/VC services, they can retain their own legal counsel for military judicial proceedings.
  • Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) – The VWAP helps give victims a voice and keeps them informed of the status of the investigation and prosecution. Learn more about VWAP here.

Additional Resources

The DoD is committed to responding to the needs of all members of the DoD community, including contractors (personnel of a contracted organization to the DoD.

In addition to assigning a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) and/or SAPR Victim Advocate (VA), the DoD makes the following SAPR services or policy support available to DoD contracted personnel:

  • U.S. citizen DoD contractor personnel who experience a sexual assault are eligible for DoD services when they are authorized to accompany the Armed Forces in a contingency operation outside of the continental United States and they are U.S. citizens.
  • Additional medical services may be provided to contractors covered under DoDI 6495.02 in accordance with DoDI 3020.41 (Reference (q)) as applicable.
  • Non-military individuals who are contractors for the DoD and a victim of sexual assault are eligible for limited emergency care medical services at a military treatment facility, unless that individual is otherwise eligible as a Service member or TRICARE beneficiary of the military health system to receive treatment in a military treatment facility at no cost.
  • DoD contractors may only file an Unrestricted Report. Unrestricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to report crimes without requesting confidentiality of their allegations. DoD law enforcement initiates an investigation, and the chain of command is notified.
  • Assistance of a SARC or SAPR VA:
    • If the Military Criminal Investigative Organization (MCIO) has jurisdiction over a DoD civilian’s Unrestricted Report of sexual assault, a SARC or SAPR VA can provide professional assistance with obtaining medical care, counseling services, legal and spiritual support, and obtaining off-base resources, if so desired.
    • If the MCIO does not have jurisdiction, the case falls to local law enforcement. A SARC or SAPR VA can help by identifying the appropriate referrals to the civilian community for assistance and/or while undergoing emergency care outside the continental United States.
  • DoD Safe Helpline – Free, anonymous, confidential, and 24/7 worldwide helpline for members of the DoD community. Access the Safe Helpline here.
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline – Local community resources can be found here.
  • Victims’ Bill of Rights – The DoD guarantees a victim’s rights. More information is available here.
  • Legal Support for DoD Contractors – Although DoD contractors are not eligible for SVC/VLC/VC services, they can retain their own legal counsel for military judicial proceedings.
  • Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) – The VWAP helps give victims a voice and keeps them informed of the status of the investigation and prosecution. Learn more about VWAP here.

Additional Resources