Sexual Assault & Prevention

The Altus Air Force Base Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program reinforces the Department of the Air Force's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through awareness and prevention education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and accountability. The Department of the Air Force encourages confidential reporting and promotes trauma-informed, person-centered care for personnel who experience sexual assault.

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.

CATCH PROGRAM
The CATCH Program allows sexual assault victims, who have filed a Restricted Report, to voluntarily submit an anonymous entry and discover if the suspect in their Report may have also assaulted another person (a “match” in the CATCH website). With knowledge of a “potential match”, victims can then decide whether to participate in an investigation of a serial offender suspect. Restricted Report will not be converted based on the information a victim provided to the CATCH Program without their permission. A victim may decline to participate in the process at any point, even after being notified that there was a potential match. There are no adverse consequences if a victim does not agree to participate.

For more information about CATCH, please contact a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA), or visit Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) Program | SAPR
REPORTING OPTIONS
Deciding whether to report a sexual assault is a deeply personal decision; however, reporting may be a gateway to recovery. The Air Force is committed to ensuring sexual assault victims are protected, treated with dignity and respect, and provided support, advocacy, and care. To achieve this objective, the Air Force has two reporting options: Unrestricted and Restricted Reporting. These options allow Service members who experienced sexual assault to exercise control over how and when they engage with resources.

Individuals may disclose a sexual assault incident to anyone in or outside of their chain of command. A report made outside of the chain of command can remain confidential when made to: SARC, SAPR VA, VVA, healthcare personnel, assigned Victim’s Counsel, legal assistance officer, chaplain or through the DoD Safe Helpline.

UNRESTRICTED REPORT

- Available to military/dependents, DoD civilians/dependents (18+ yrs), and Contractors

- Commander is notified

- Investigation is initiated

- Can request Expedited Transfer

- Can request Military Protective Order/Civilian Protective Order

- May not convert to a restricted report

RESTRICTED REPORT

- Available to military/dependents (18+ yrs)

- Confidential communication

- No investigation

- No commander notification

- Cannot request Expedited Transfer

- Cannot request Military Protective Order or Civilian Protective Order

- May not file if victim has personally reported the sexual assault to SFS, OSI or previously filed an unrestricted report for the same incident

INDEPENDENT

- Mandatory reporter is notified of a sexual assault by someone other than the victim (third-party report)

- Mandatory report will report to the SARC, squadron CC, and OSI

- Victim has the option to opt out of the investigation

- Victim has the option to make a restricted report after command and OSI are notified

- SAPR will neither confirm nor deny whether or not a victim has a restricted report
ADDITIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED REGARDLESS OF TYPE OF REPORT
- Mental health, Chaplain, and SAPR advocacy services - Victim's Counsel representation - Legal support: legal representation through the SVC - Medical support: on/off base medical evaluation, forensic exam, treatment of injuries/STDs - Counseling resources: on/off base mental health care - Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) - Participation in the CATCH Program - Eligible to request convalescent leave through medical and/or behavioral health provider. For more information please contact a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA), or visit Clarification_of_Convalescent_Leave_Policy_20Oct2022.pdf (sapr.mil)

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. **The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) manages sexual assault allegations when the alleged offender is the partner in context of a spousal relationship, same sex domestic partnership, unmarried intimate partner relationship or military dependents who are 17 years of age and younger.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM SEXUALLY ASSAULTED?
1. Call the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) at 623-856-7732 or SAPR Hotline at 623-856-4878 (HURT) from a cell phone. This hotline is answered 24/7 and is confidential. 2. It is recommended that you follow these guidelines: - Go to a safe location away from the attacker. - Call 911 if you are in an emergency situation or need immediate medical attention. - Do not change clothes, but if you feel you must, bring soiled clothing in a paper bag--not plastic (paper bags also located at the SAPR office) - Do not eat or drink anything - Do not shower, brush your teeth or use mouthwash - Do not take or apply any type of medication to any injuries - Do not use the bathroom, but if you must, bring urine in for testing in a plastic or glass container - Do not disturb or clean up the crime scene 3. If you wish to request a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) to preserve forensic evidence, you can either request it yourself at the ER or contact the Luke SAPR 24/7 hotline (623-856-4878) and we can help you with the process.
CAN I SPEAK WITH A CHAPLAIN ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT?
Yes. You may speak to a chaplain any time. Chaplains provide confidential spiritual advice. Although Chaplains do not take official reports of sexual assault, Chaplains can connect you with your local SARC or SAPR VA (at your request).
HOW DO I MAKE AN UNRESTRICTED REPORT?
Report the assault to a SARC, SAPR VA, healthcare personnel, a member of your chain of command, law enforcement personnel, or legal personnel.
HOW DO I MAKE AN RESTRICTED REPORT?
You may confidentially disclose the assault to a SARC, SAPR VA, or healthcare personnel. You may disclose a sexual assault incident to anyone in your chain of command and still elect to file a restricted report, however, an investigation into the allegation may still be started and commanders are still required to immediately refer the report to OSI for investigation. **Note: commanders retain his or her duty to immediately contact OSI, upon being notified of a sexual assault, Whether or Not the sexual assault is in his or her own chain of command**
WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION?
An Independent Investigation occurs when an assault is brought to attention by someone other than the survivor and the assault is reported to a Military Criminal Investigation Organization (MCIO) and an official investigation is initiated.
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 I REPORT A SEXUAL ASSAULT THAT HAPPENED PRIOR TO MY MILITARY SERVICE, ON TDY, OR 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.
CAN I REPORT A SEXUAL ASSAULT TO A SARC FROM ANOTHER SERVICE OR BASE?
Yes, with the exception of Air Force civilian employees. If you are eligible for SAPR support services, then you can file a report with any DoD SARC regardless of location. However, Air Force civilian employees are currently the only Department of Defense civilian employees eligible for SAPR services, and can only receive SAPR services from Air Force SARCs and SAPR victim advocates.
WILL REPORTING NEGATIVELY AFFECT MY CAREER?
There are legal measures in place to make sure reporting does not negatively affect the victim. If you feel you are experiencing retaliation, ostracism, or reprisal, contact you command, IG Office or law enforcement
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 if the case falls under the jurisdiction of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
EXPERIENCING 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. Click the link to learn more at Experiencing Retaliation after Sexual Assault | Safe Helpline.
HOW DO I HELP A FRIEND WHO HAS JUST BEEN ASSAULTED?
Be caring, non-judgmental, and assure them it is not their fault. Ask if they would like to contact the SAPR Office or would like you to. Do not leave them alone. If non-life threatening, please contact the SAPR office prior to going to the hospital, the SAPR office can ensure a smooth transition to the medical facility.
WHAT IS THE SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE COORDINATOR (SARC)?
The SARC is a Department of Defense employee who manages the installation Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program, serves as the subject matter expert to installation leadership, and coordinates 24/7 victim care and case management for adult (18 years and older) sexual assault victims from initial reporting through legal disposition and resolution. The SARC will provide the warm handoff to the Family Advocacy Program (FAP), who will manage allegations when the alleged offender is the partner in context of a spousal relationship, same sex domestic partnership, unmarried intimate partner relationship or military dependents who are 17 years of age and younger.
WHAT IS A SAPR VICTIM ADVOCATE (VA)?
A SAPR VA serves as the installation’s primary sexual assault victim advocate, providing support, advocacy, and liaison services to eligible military and civilian sexual assault victims in accordance with DoD and AF policies. SAPR VAs report directly to the SARC.

- If you have been the victim of sexual assault, you don't have to be alone!

- The assault was NOT your fault. You did not cause it to happen.

- People are here to help. We are committed to supporting you and your family members in the most sensitive and private way possible.

- There is no "right way" to deal with sexual assault. It is okay to be angry and stand up for yourself as you are ready. SAPR program personnel can put you in touch with all the resources and assistance available to you.

- Take care of yourself and ask for what you need.

- You can report an assault at any time, though immediately is best for evidence collection purposes (evidence may still be collected for several days after the incident). Try to seek medical attention before washing, cleaning up, or changing clothes. If you do change clothes, bring soiled clothing in a paper bag -- not plastic.

- Never hesitate to get help.

24/7 Cell:

580-649-0656

DSN:

580-866-7835

Commercial:

580-481-7835

Email:

97amw.sarc.office@us.af.mil

Address:

Airmen Resiliency Center

Bldg 116,