Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. 

Sexual Assault: 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 includes a broad category of sexual offenses consisting of the following specific Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) offenses: rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit any of these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of victim. 

Consent: Overt words or acts indicating a freely given agreement to the present sexual activity by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the accused’s use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating relationship or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the sexual conduct at issue shall not constitute consent. There is no consent where the person is sleeping or incapacitated, such as due to age, alcohol or drugs, or mental incapacity.

WHO CAN RECEIVE SERVICES AND WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Sexual Assault- Active Duty Members, Adult Dependents of Active Duty Members, DoD Civilians (Appropriate & Non-Appropriated), Reserve and Guard (LOD may be processed)

Sexual Harassment- Active Duty Members, Reserve, Guard in federal status

Note: An official report involves the victim/survivor signing a DD Form 2910 or a Sexual Harassment Victim Reporting Preference Statement w/ SAPR Office personnel--disclosures are not considered reports!

Restricted Reporting– SAPR personnel provide crisis intervention, non-clinical support, and coordination of resources to aid in recovery without notifying command or law enforcement. Victims can choose to convert their report from Restricted to Unrestricted w/the SAPR Office

Unrestricted Reporting- SAPR personnel provide crisis intervention, non-clinical support, and coordination of resources to aid in recovery. Law Enforcement and or EO, and the victim's Commander are notified of the report and an investigation may be initiated

*The CATCH Program allows victims an opportunity to anonymously disclose suspect information to help the Department of Defense identify repeat offenders. Learn more about updates to CATCH eligibility. 

RETALIATION

Experiencing retaliation after reporting a sexual assault can be as traumatic as the assault itself.  It takes courage to make a sexual assault report and to share what happened to you with others.  No one deserves to experience retaliation for reporting, and there are legal measures in place to support and protect you if this has occurred or is still occurring. Find out more information about retaliation.

As a Friend:

• Start by believing, not blaming
• Ensure physical safety; determine if emergency medical care is needed
• If recent incident, encourage him/her not to shower, eat, or dispose of clothing
• Encourage him/her to contact the SAPR hotline for a timely information and the option to report

As a Supervisor:

• You are a mandatory reporter of incidents affecting a subordinate
• Contact SARC for assistance with your reporting responsibilities
• Collect only basic information
• It is your Commander's responsibility to determine who has "need to know," so do not further disseminate without guidance
• In coordination with, and as directed by, your commander, monitor the well-being of the victim