Sexual assault awareness: what servicemembers need to know Published Aug. 10, 2010 By By Airman 1st Class Jessica D. Keith 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- -- The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is something every servicemember should be aware of. Sexual assault does not have to be rape. Air Force Instruction 36-6001 defines sexual assault as "intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent." The SAPR program is intended to provide sexual assault victims with the medical, psychological, and legal help they need. The SAPR program was established June 2005 in response to alarming statistics. A 2004 survey showed nearly 82 percent of all sexual assault cases in the United States went unreported that year. According to Paul Buckingham, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator here, that number applies to the civilian population as well as the military. During fiscal year 2009, there were 3,230 Department of Defense reports of sexual assault filed involving servicemembers as either victims or assailants. Sexual assault can be devastating to servicemembers and also places national security at risk. To help combat this statistic, every military base now has a SARC that is available to anyone wishing to report an incident. He said even though this new program is still experiencing a few growing pains, it is an effective machine that gives victims back their sense of control. One key point of the program is the option to use either unrestricted or restricted reporting of a sexual assault. Mr. Buckingham said since the establishment of the program and the the restricted reporting option, the instances of unreported cases have lowered. If a victim chooses to use unrestricted reporting, they are given all the care they need and law enforcement becomes involved. Victims who choose to use restricted reporting receive complete care, too, but law enforcement authorities are not notified. Mr. Buckingham said this portion of the program is important because it gives victims control of what is happening to them. "Rape is a way to demonstrate power and control over another person," said Mr. Buckingham. "Letting the victim choose the type of reporting gives that power back to them by allowing them to control the situation." He said one of the reasons so many cases go unreported is fear of reprisal and restricted reporting effectively removes that fear. "SARC provides a single point for victims to go to and address issues," said Mr. Buckingham. "It's here to support victims and provide the services they need." SARC representatives are always on-call to respond if a sexual assault is reported. The base's SARC hot line, (325) 654-1570, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. DOD does not tolerate sexual assaults and provides all the necessary care and services a victim needs. Secretary of Defense, Robert M. Gates said, "The department has a no-tolerance policy toward sexual assault. This type of act not only does unconscionable harm to the victim; it destabilizes the workplace and threatens national security."