Sexual Assault Prevention & Response

A cadre of nationally credentialed unit Victim Advocate and volunteer Victim Advocates who will help survivors navigate the reporting and investigation processes, give updates and follow up on information as available, and offer or determine other resource referral options that may benefit survivors.

A report option that enables access to healthcare and advocacy support without requiring an investigation.

24/7 support available through the DOD Safe Hotline: Call 1-877-995-5247 or text 55247.

Professional Special victims Counsel and Victims Legal Counsel who provide survivors with legal representation, support in exercising their legal rights and help while navigating the military justice system. 

Support and protection for individuals who experience retaliation after reporting.

Sexual assault is a crime. A sexual assault has occurred if consent has not been given by one person.

Sexual assault is defined as: Sexual contact accomplished by use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority, or when a victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual offenses specific to the Uniform Code of Military Justice include: rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy, or attempts to commit any of these acts. Specific sexual offenses outlined in Vermont Statutes 13 V.S.A. 3252 (Sexual Assault) and 13 V.S.A. 3253 (Aggravated Sexual Assault) include: rape, date rape, statutory rape and aggravated sexual assault. 

Consent is a "yes," not the lack of a "no."

Consent is defined as: A freely given agreement or communication issued between a competent person to engage in a sexual activity. Consent is not automatic. Even if there was a prior sexual relationship, there is no automatic permission to have sex with that person again.

• Verbal or nonverbal expressions of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent.
• A person does not give consent merely because they did not say “no” or did not resist.
• Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent.
• A current or previous dating or social relationship or person’s manner of dress does not constitute consent.
• A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent.

Restricted Report: Allows a service members, dependent 18 years of age and older, or Defense Department civilian employee, to disclose that they are the victim of sexual assault to specified officials on a requested confidential basis. Under these circumstances, the victim’s report and any details provided to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, health care personnel, or a victim advocate will not be reported to law enforcement to initiate an official investigation unless the victim consents or an established exception is exercised under DOD Directive 6495.01, Sexual Prevention and Response Program.

Read more at SAPR.mil

Unrestricted Report: A service member can disclose, without requesting confidentiality or restricted reporting, that they have been the victim of sexual assault. Under these circumstances, the victim’s report and any details provided to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, health care personnel, a victim advocate, command authorities, or other persons are reported to law enforcement and may be used to initiate the official investigative process.

Read more at SAPR.mil

Military Rule of Evidence 514 provides Airmen confidentiality and privileged communication with a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or victim advocate.

Conversations made on behalf of a survivor to a SARC or victim advocate for the purpose of facilitating advice or supportive assistance and those not intended to be disclosed to a third party are protected, similar to the communication between a patient and a mental health professional.