DOD SAPRO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DoD SAPRO represents the Secretary of Defense as the central authority charged with preventing sexual assault in the military and facilitating recovery for survivors. Our mission is to promote military readiness by reducing sexual assault through prevention, advocacy, and execution of SAPR Program policy, planning, and oversight across the DoD Community.
 
SAPRO’s efforts are aligned with the National Defense Strategy and informed by DoD’s SAPR Strategy, the Prevention Plan of Action, and relevant guiding policies. DoD is also committed to the implementation of the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military’s recommendations to systemically improve prevention, climate and culture, victim care and support, and accountability.
 
These frequently asked questions help to explain the work of DoD SAPRO and the role it plays in ensuring force readiness.

About SAPRO

What is SAPRO, when was it established, and what is it responsible for?
DoD SAPRO was established in 2005 and serves as the DoD’s single point of accountability for sexual assault prevention and response policy and program oversight. DoD SAPRO leads change by overseeing the implementation of all policies and standards of sexual assault prevention and response. SAPRO works hand-in-hand with the Military Services and the civilian community to develop and implement innovative prevention and response programs. A detailed timeline of SAPRO history is available here.
If SAPRO addresses sexual assault prevention and response, which DoD component addresses sexual harassment? Which DoD component addresses children and domestic violence?
The DoD’s Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Policy (OCREOP) develops policy and conducts oversight regarding sexual harassment prevention and response in the Armed Forces. Leaders at all levels are held appropriately accountable for fostering a climate of inclusion that is free from harassment, as well as retaliation. Each Military Department and the other DoD components must comply with this policy and ensure appropriate resolution of harassment complaints. The Military Departments implement and may augment these policies as appropriate.
The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is the DoD’s program designated to address child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse and domestic abuse-related sexual assault of spouses and intimate partners, and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. FAP is delivered through the Military Services, which work in coordination with key components and civilian agencies to promote health family relationships to prevent abuse and neglect; encourage early identification and prompt reporting; promote victim safety and empowerment; and provide appropriate support to Service members and their families.
Why doesn’t the DoD use the term “military sexual trauma” to describe the crime of sexual assault?
Military sexual trauma, or MST, is a term used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to refer to experiences of sexual assault or repeated, threatening acts of sexual harassment throughout the course of one's military career. The term is used for screening and treating the psychological trauma and other mental health problems that stem from sexual assault and/or sexual harassment. The Department uses the term “sexual assault” to refer to a range of crimes, including rape, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, and attempts to commit these offenses, as defined in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. DoD’s use of sexual assault focuses on the victim for purposes of rendering care and support services and the alleged offender for purposes of holding them appropriately accountable.
Do the Military Services and National Guard have SAPR offices as well?
Yes. All five Services and the National Guard Bureau have permanent SAPR offices and work closely with the DoD SAPRO. Space Force SAPR services are available under the Department of the Air Force Integrated Resilience Directorate.

Each Service executes the policy and programs required by DoD policy but customizes them for their specific Service and mission environments. More information about victim assistance is available here.

The Scope of the Problem

How many Service members experience sexual assault?
For the most recent data on how many Service members experience and report sexual assault, please visit SAPRO Reports to view the Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military.
Which way is prevalence trending, up or down?
For the most recent data on prevalence of sexual assault in the military, visit SAPRO Reports to view the Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military and Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies. Prevalence rates are included biennially on the years that a Workplace Gender Relations (WGR) survey is conducted.

Prevalence is estimated via a scientific survey and represents the number of Service members who likely experienced unwanted sexual contact in the 12 months prior to the survey being conducted. Prevalence rates are used to provide an estimate of the scope of the problem of sexual assault. The DoD works to decrease prevalence through prevention efforts.

Why is the issue of sexual assault important to the military?
Sexual assault is a crime that harms our Service members, erodes force readiness, negatively impacts our strategic alliances, and hinders the lethality of our fighting force. Sexual assault has no place in the military. No one should have to be concerned about sexual assault when they decide to serve their country. Taking care of our people is part of our National Defense Strategy, and as such, we are taking action to ensure everyone serves in a climate of dignity, respect, and inclusion.

IRC-SAM

What is the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military?
In February 2021, at the direction of President Biden, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin established the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military (IRC-SAM) to conduct a 90-day review to drive meaningful change in how the military prevents, responds to, and promotes appropriate accountability for sexual assault and sexual harassment. The IRC-SAM made recommendations to the DoD across four lines of effort: accountability, prevention, climate and culture, and victim care and support. DoD remains committed to implementing the recommendations of the IRC-SAM, as approved by the Secretary of Defense, and to taking care of its people. More information is available here.
What is SAPRO doing to support the implementation of the IRC-SAM recommendations?
SAPRO’s role in the implementation of the approved IRC-SAM recommendations includes:
  • Tracking implementation by fielding an automated system to capture stakeholder input
  • Restructuring the Sexual Assault Response Workforce to move DoD and the Services closer to developing, fielding, and sustaining a high-quality victim assistance workforce
  • Created the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training Center of Excellence (SAPRTEC) to provide oversight on training and education requirements published in DoDI 6495.02, Volume 2 and DoDI 6400.11

More information is available here.

Reporting

What is a report of sexual assault?
A report of sexual assault is when an incident of sexual assault is filed with a DoD authority through a DD Form 2910. Law enforcement personnel and criminal investigators may only receive Unrestricted Reports. Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) and SAPR Victim Advocates (SAPR VAs) may receive both Unrestricted Reports and Restricted Reports. Telling a friend or family member about one’s experience of sexual assault is not considered a report. More information about reporting options is available here.
What options do military members have if they do not want to file a report?
Service members may speak to SARCs and/or SAPR VAs without filing a report to discuss available resources, medical and mental healthcare, and legal assistance. Victims are eligible for a Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC)/ Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC)/ Victim’s Counsel (VC) even if they do not file a report. Additionally, military chaplains provide confidential spiritual advice and counseling to victims of sexual assault. While Chaplains cannot take reports of sexual assault, they can assist in connecting victims with a SARC or SAPR VA.

Safe Helpline is the DoD’s only 24/7, anonymous, and confidential support to DoD community members affected by sexual assault. Safe Helpline offers a variety of platforms to ensure that no matter where Service members are located or what time zone they are in, they have access to help. Platforms currently include resources such as telephone contact numbers for calls or texts, online helpline assistance, the Safe HelpRoom, a mobile app, and self-paced educational courses. Please visit the Safe Helpline for more information.

If victims of sexual assault are not ready to file a report, they can still participate in the CATCH program and anonymously submit an entry on the suspect.

Do increases in reported incidents mean there has been an increase in the occurrence of sexual assault?
No. The DoD cannot provide context about reporting numbers without a prevalence survey. DoD encourages greater reporting of the crime of sexual assault to connect victims with restorative care and to hold alleged offenders appropriately accountable. Sexual assault is an underreported crime in both the military and civilian sectors of society, meaning that it occurs more than is reported to authorities. As a result, sexual assault reports provide an incomplete measure of how many Service members experience sexual assault.

Prevalence is estimated via a scientific survey and represents the number of Service members who likely experienced unwanted sexual contact in the 12 months prior to the survey being conducted. Prevalence rates are used to provide an estimate of the scope of the problem of sexual assault. The DoD works to decrease prevalence through prevention efforts.

More information about prevalence and reports of sexual assault is available here.

If a victim feels their command is not taking a sexual assault report seriously, is there anyone outside the chain of command they can or should report to? 
Yes. A Service member may always contact their Service IG or the DoD IG. In addition, operators at the DoD Safe Helpline can refer callers to the appropriate resources or Service representative for assistance. Service members who feel that they are not being treated fairly may also contact their representative or senator in Congress for assistance.

DoD recognizes the responsibility for locating the appropriate services should not be placed upon victims. By implementing a No Wrong Door approach, we aim to ensure no individual or group encounters an obstacle to receiving the support they need and to provide seamless coordination among helping resources. No Wrong Door is an approach used by all responders so that a person seeking services from an organization will be assisted either by direct support or by a warm handoff with the goal of obtaining timely care or advocacy.

Do Service members have to report their sexual assault to their commander? 
No. If a Service member makes an Unrestricted Report, the Service member may report the allegations to their commander, or to a SARC who will then inform commander. If the alleged offender is the commander, the victim may seek to report the allegations to another superior within the chain of command or report the allegations outside their chain of command. If the victim seeks to make a Restricted Report, then only those eligible to receive Restricted Reports may receive the details of the allegations and the commander is not notified of the victim’s identity. More information about reporting options is available here.

Prevention

While everyone in the DoD needs to work together to prevent sexual assault, aren’t there dedicated professionals who do this too?
We are focusing on integrated primary prevention solutions that build healthy climates and prevent harmful behaviors before they occur and ensuring our leaders have the tools needed to foster healthy and inclusive climates. DoD remains committed to implementing the approved reforms recommended by the IRC, including hiring over 2,000 full-time, highly skilled Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW) personnel to inform and support command focus on countering sexual assault and other harmful behaviors at installations across the world. The IPPW enhances command leadership by providing guidance on effective prevention policies, programs, and practices, with emphasis on prioritizing resources to those areas demonstrating the highest potential risk. With the added support from the IPPW, leaders can confidently harness data and promising practices to make informed decisions about their command climates.
What is the DoD doing to prevent sexual assault?
Some of Secretary Austin’s first actions in office focused on countering sexual assault in the military. In February 2021, he directed immediate actions including assessing compliance policy, conducting onsite installation evaluations (OSIEs), and establishing a violence prevention workforce. OSIEs continue to identify and address climate challenges and prevention best practices. Force-wide climate assessment remains key to leaders addressing risk facing Service members. Additionally, the hiring of IPPW personnel is underway to inform and support command focus on countering sexual assault and other harmful behaviors. Hiring will continue to focus on locations of elevated risk and positions that will establish policy and processes. Information and resources on the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce are available here.

On May 27, 2022, the DoD launched the Prevention Plan of Action 2.0 (PPoA 2.0) which focuses on data-driven, holistic approaches and the DoD system elements that facilitate their success, measurement, and sustainability.

Additionally, the IRC-SAM made recommendations across four lines of effort, including accountability, prevention, climate and culture, and victim care and support. More about the IRC-SAM is available here.

Training

Are there consistent prevention and response training standards for each of the Military Services?
DoD policy mandates baseline training requirements to ensure uniformity across the Services. However, minor differences in terminology and procedures exist between the Military Services to accommodate each Service’s unique culture and mission. The policy was updated in 2021 and aligns training needs with DoD’s Common Military Training (CMT) to define minimum standards and meet Congressional requirements.
What trainings and webinars does SAPRTEC offer? How are they accessed?
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training and Education Center of Excellence (SAPRTEC) is a capability within DoD SAPRO to develop, deliver, and oversee training, education, and related requirements for integrated primary prevention and sexual assault response through the DoD to enable standardization and continuous improvement. SAPRTEC addresses IRC-SAM recommendation 4.4a: establish a Defense Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Training Center of Excellence.

Webinars are available on sexual assault, suicide, harassment, domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, and integrated prevention. All webinars can be viewed on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO).

Victim Assistance

What are the requirements for SARCs and SAPR VAs to support and assist victims?
The DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP) was established to standardize sexual assault response to victims and professionalize victim advocacy roles of SARCs and SAPR VAs. Updates to the D-SAACP Instruction in February 2020 strengthened background checks and allowed for automated records checks to ensure continued eligibility.

The updated DoDI 6495.03 requires all D-SAACP applicants obtain a Tier 3 background check which includes an FBI fingerprint check and a Defense Central Index of Investigations Check or equivalent.

Certified practitioners are also enrolled in continuous evaluation, which allows for automated records checks to ensure continued eligibility to hold a Sensitive position. D-SAACP recipients must also complete a minimum of 40 hours of training to gain and develop the core knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation needed to serve sexual assault victims in the military community.

D-SAACP requirements do not end after the initial training. Certification holders must complete 32 hours of continuing education every two years. These trainings, which include victim advocacy ethics, are more advanced or cover new developments in the field to ensure SAPR personnel maintain their readiness to serve victims.

What is the CATCH a Serial Offender program?
With the Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) Program, victims of sexual assault can anonymously submit information about the suspect to DoD criminal investigators. If the suspect information provided by the victim matches another submission, the SARC will notify the victim and check if they want to further participate in an investigation.
What is the DoD doing to prevent retaliation against those who experience sexual assault?
No Service member should have to fear retaliation because they made a sexual assault report. DoD is committed to eliminating retaliatory behavior, improving resources for reporters of retaliation, and providing tools for commanders, supervisors, and peers to prevent and respond to retaliation. Victims, witnesses, bystanders, or responders who experience retaliation can file a formal report of retaliation with the appropriate authority and be notified of resources. DoD has taken steps to assist and protect members who believe they are experiencing retaliation, including:
  • Legal representation: Victims of sexual assault may consult with and be represented by an SVC/VLC/VC
  • Case Management Group Assistance: Victim assistance personnel inquire monthly with sexual assault victims about retaliatory experiences, if any
  • Special Investigators: The DoD IG fielded a team of reprisal investigators who receive extensive training on sexual assault and the impact it has on victims
  • Senior leader assistance: Victims who reported a sexual assault or sought mental health treatment for sexual assault may have the opportunity to communicate with a General Officer/Flag Officer regarding issues related to their military career that the victim believes are associated with the sexual assault
  • Senior leader discharge review
  • Expedited transfer: A victim making an Unrestricted Report may, at any time, request a transfer to a new duty location or station

On June 24, 2022, DoD issued Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 6495.02 Volume 3, “Sexual Assault Prevention and Response: Retaliation Response for Adult Sexual Assault Cases” aimed at improving how DoD documents and assists survivors, employees, witnesses, and other people who perceive retaliation associated with sexual assault.

DoD also informs individuals on what to do if they believe they are experiencing retaliation, including informing them to go directly to the DoD IG or providing them with more information about available help and reporting avenues from their SARC.

More information on victim rights and support is available here.

While everyone in the DoD needs to work together to support victims, aren’t there dedicated professionals who do this too?
The Services have dedicated professionals trained to support victims, including SARCs, SAPR VAs, sexual assault medical forensic examiners, and Special Victims' Counsel (SVC)/Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC)/Victims’ Counsel (VC). The Services also have a Special Victim Investigation and Prosecution (SVIP) capability made up of military investigators, prosecutors, and other personnel specially trained to handle these challenging cases.

These professionals, along with the installation commander or senior mission commander, come together at Case Management Group (CMG) Meetings to discuss the progress on Unrestricted sexual assault cases, address safety concerns, if any, of all parties, facilitate victim access to care and services, and review allegations of retaliation for reporting a sexual assault, if any. More information is available here.

Climate and Culture

What is the DoD doing to assist leaders in promoting safe and respectful workplace climates?
We are taking action to ensure everyone serves in a climate of dignity, respect, and inclusion. DoD has undertaken several initiatives to address unit climate. One such initiative provides our newest leaders and first-line supervisors with the leadership tools they need to create safe and respectful work environments. This includes the redesigned Defense Organizational Climate Survey 5.0 Force-wide survey. The survey establishes baselines for select locations and helps to identify installations and units performing well and those needing improvement.

In February 2021, Secretary Austin directed that the Office of the Secretary of Defense conduct on-site installation evaluations (OSIEs) at installations throughout the Department. This effort allows us to have better line-of-sight at installations and understand what is working well and what is not. The data gathered during the OSIEs is regularly briefed at the highest levels of the DoD, and installation leaders are held accountable for implementing reforms at those installations and ensuring that they are creating positive command climates where harassment is not tolerated.

Additional information is available on prevention.mil.

Military Justice

Do military commanders investigate sexual assault?
No. Federal law and DoD policy require commanders to provide all reports of sexual assault to the Military Criminal Investigative Organizations (MCIOs) – Army Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) – for investigation. These organizations are responsible for conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.
Are commanders involved in military justice decisions?
The military departments Offices of Special Trial Counsel (OSTCs) shifted prosecutorial decisions for covered offenses which occurred after December 27, 2003. The OSTCs are outside the uniformed chain of command and led by General Officers/Flag Officers with significant military justice experience who oversee other highly skilled, experienced, and well-trained counsel.

The mission of the OSTCs is to provide expert, specialized, independent, and ethical representation, under the direct civilian control of the Secretary of the applicable Military Department, in the investigation and trial-level litigation of covered offenses as prescribed by Article I (17) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, I 0 U.S.C. § 801 (17), and other offenses over which the offices exercise authority.

Ensuring the independence of the OSTCs is critical to their functions. The OSTCs operate independently of the military chains of command of both the victims of alleged covered offenses and those accused of covered offenses, and report directly to the Secretary of their Military Department with no intervening authority.

Is there anyone assigned or available to accompany the victim through the judicial process other than the prosecutor?
Yes. DoD has created a legal support function for victims of sexual assault that provides legal advice and guidance and maintains a victim's confidentiality. A victim can access this support whether they file an Unrestricted Report or Restricted Report, or even if they have not yet made an official report. The Army, National Guard, and Coast Guard refer to these professionals as SVC, the Air Force and Space Force refer to them as VC, and the Navy and Marine Corps refer to them as VLC. SVCs/VLCs/VCs have experience trying cases in both military and civilian trials. They understand the legal process and are able to guide victims.

Key Concepts

Sexual Assault
The term sexual assault as defined in DoD Instruction 6495.01 refers to intentional sexual contact characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. The term refers to a broad category of sexual offenses prohibited by Article 120 and Article 80 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which includes rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit these acts.
Unwanted Sexual Contact
The term unwanted sexual contact is used as a proxy term for crimes consistent with sexual assault and is used to estimate prevalence in the 2021 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey. It refers to a range of behaviors prohibited by the UCMJ and includes penetrative sexual assault, non-penetrative sexual assault, and attempted penetrative sexual assault. [Source: Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military]
Estimated Prevalence and Reporting Rates
Sexual assault is an underreported crime, meaning that it occurs more often than it is reported to appropriate authorities. This is true for both the military and civilian sectors of the U.S. population. As a result, sexual assault reports provide an incomplete measure of how many Service members experience a sexual assault. To better capture the number of Service members that may experience a sexual assault the DoD uses an estimate of prevalence. [Source: Military data is available in the 2023 WGR and the FY23 DoD Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military. Civilian data is available from the September 2023 Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Criminal Victimization Report.]

Sexual assault prevalence is assessed via a scientific survey to estimate the number of Service members who indicated experiencing a sexual assault in the 12 months prior to being surveyed. Prevalence rates are used to provide an estimate of the scope of the problem of sexual assault in the Armed Forces. The Workplace and Gender Relations survey to gather prevalence data occurs biennially. The DoD works to decrease prevalence through prevention efforts.

DoD encourages greater reporting to connect victims with assistance and care and to hold offenders appropriately accountable. For the latest reporting and prevalence rates, please visit SAPRO Reports.

Restricted Report
Permits 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. Allows the victim to receive Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC)/Victim’s Legal Counsel (VLC)/Victims’ Counsel (VC) legal advice and medical and advocacy services. Only Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs), SAPR Victim Advocates (VAs), and healthcare providers can accept a Restricted Report. More information is available here.
Unrestricted Report
Allows 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. Allows victims to receive medical treatment, advocacy services, legal support, and eligibility for an expedited transfer. In addition, allows victims to report retaliation in the SAPR program. More information is available here.