SAPR ensures well-being, safety, dignity of all base personnel

Published Jan. 31, 2009
By Airman First Class Jennifer Herring
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- According to the Department of Defense, sexual assault is one of the most under reported crimes in our society and in the military. Working as the local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Capt. Mary McGriff knows this statistic all too well.

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program was first initiated by the Department of Defense in 2005 to increase awareness of sexual assault and provide victims a way to report crimes of sexual assault.

"The goal of the SAPR Program is to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of all our members of the Armed Forces, their families and government employees through training and education programs, treatment and support," said Captain McGriff, deployed here from Pope Air Force Base.

Captain McGriff's role as a SARC or Sexual Assault Response Coordinator is to ensure appropriate care is given to each victim. "My job is to make sure the victim knows all their options and who they can get assistance from."

Along with the SARC, the SAPR Program gives each victim the option of having a victim advocate. The VA supports the victim by attending medical or legal appointments and helping the victim make informed decisions about the process.

Captain McGriff said VAs are essential to the SARC. "They become someone the victim can trust and rely on for emotional support in their time of need."

The SAPR Program provides victims of sexual assault two methods of reporting the incident.

Under the restricted option, the victim's report is kept confidential but they still receive all the necessary care and support they need.

"The restricted option offers the victim a quiet and confidential way of getting assistance without sparking an investigation," said Captain McGriff.

The information provided under the restricted option will not be disclosed to law enforcement unless consent is given by the victim.

"Reporting crimes of sexual assault has increased by sixty-five percent since the restricted reporting option was established in June 2005," Captain McGriff said.

It is important that victims wishing to use the restricted option may only report the assault to a SARC, a VA, a chaplain or medical personnel.

Otherwise, the report becomes unrestricted. With unrestricted reporting, a victim's report and any other details are reportable to law enforcement and an investigation may be initiated.

Captain McGriff said she encounters many cases here where the victim is hesitant to come forward because he or she may have violated the Air Force's Central General Order 1B. In such circumstances, Captain McGriff reminded victims that the restricted option of reporting protects them from any repercussions for violating General Order 1B.

"It is imperative that victims understand that General Order 1B protects all our Air Force members from sexual assaults, harassments, and other unwanted incidents," she said.

Captain McGriff urged all victims, both male and female, to have the courage to speak out and not become a silent victim.

"Sexual assault has no place in our military and it degrades our mission capabilities," said Captain McGriff. "For victims of either gender, the emotional and physical trauma of a sexual assault is very difficult to cope with and requires professional assistance."

To report a sexual assault, information on how to help prevent sexual assaults or for more information on the SAPR program, call 437-7272.

The Helping Hand