166th Airlift Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program: Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) and Victim Advocates are available to assist victims of sexual assault. The 166th AW SARC serves as the single point of contact for integrating and coordinating sexual assault victim care 24/7, 365 days a year. The SAPR Office is also responsible for assisting with sexual assault prevention and response training throughout the installation.
Sexual Assault is criminal conduct that falls well short of the standards America expects of its men and women in uniform and is a violation of our Air Force Core Values. There is a zero tolerance policy relating to sexual assault at all levels of the 166th Airlift Wing, the Delaware National Guard and the United States Air Force.
Sexual Assault is defined as intentional sexual conduct, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commit these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of victim.
Consent shall not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the victim to offer physical resistance. Consent is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, coercion or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious.
The 166th AW SAPR office provides a 24 hours, 7 days a week sexual assault response capability for all victims of sexual assault. Anyone who feels they have been a victim of sexual assault may contact the SAPR office.
Who is eligible for SAPR support services?
Active duty members, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members and their dependents 18 and older who are eligible for treatment in the military health system, and Air Force civilian (appropriated and non-appropriated) employees. SAPR provides support for adult sexual assault victims when the perpetrator is someone other than the victim’s spouse or same sex domestic partner.
Sexual assault is the most underreported crime in our society and in the Military. While the Department of Defense prefers that sexual assault incidents are reported to the command to activate both victims' services and law enforcement actions, it recognizes that some victims desire only healthcare and advocacy services and do not want command or law enforcement involvement. The Department believes its first priority is for victims to be treated with dignity and respect and to receive the medical treatment, mental health counseling, and the advocacy services that they deserve.
Under DoD's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Policy, Service members and their adult military dependents have two reporting options - Restricted Reporting and Unrestricted Reporting.
UNRESTRICTED REPORT
An Unrestricted Report allows you to receive medical treatment, advocacy services, and legal support. As part of this option, DoD law enforcement initiates an investigation and your chain-of-command is notified. You have the right to be reasonably protected and may also be eligible for other protections, including a Military Protective Order and/or a civilian protective order. You may also be eligible for an Expedited Transfer.
RESTRICTED REPORT*
A Restricted Report allows you to receive SVC/VLC legal advice and medical and advocacy services, but does not trigger an investigation. Information will be provided to Command that does not reveal your identity, nor that of the alleged offender. (*exceptions to Restricted Reporting exist – contact the 1tth AW SARC for more information)
Only these professionals can accept a Restricted Report:
■ Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
■ Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA)
■ Healthcare providers and healthcare support personnel
FAQ:
Can I report a sexual assault that happened prior to my military service, on TDY or on leave?
Yes, your SARC will take your report of sexual assault regardless of when or where the assault occurred. If you choose to make your report unrestricted, the SARC will help notify the appropriate law enforcement officials.
How do I know my information will be protected if I make a restricted report?
SARCs and SAPR victim advocates are responsible by law and Department of Defense and Air Force Instructions to protect the confidentiality of both restricted and unrestricted reports. SAPR personnel who violate confidentiality rules are subject to the full range of disciplinary action ranging from administrative action to court-martial, depending on the status of the individual in question and the nature of the violation.
Can my restricted report be made unrestricted by someone else?
Your report will remain restricted and confidential. However, if another individual reports your assault to their chain of command or law enforcement, an investigation will be initiated either with local law enforcement or Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
DoD SAFE Helpline: Anonymous support for sexual assault survivors in the military, Helpline: 877-995-5247.
For more information, visit the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response website.
