Sexual Assault Prevention Response and Recovery (SAPRR) Program

“Sexual assault is 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 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.”

The Coast Guard’s Sexual Assault Prevention Response and Recovery (SAPRR) Program prevents sexual assault by implementing and sustaining comprehensive SAPRR strategies that focus on awareness, cultural change, prevention, response, victim support, intimidation-free reporting, and processes that protect the safety and well-being of all our active duty, Reserve, civilian, Auxiliary, cadet, and retiree shipmates and their families.

Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC) and Victim Advocates (VA) are available in every district throughout the Coast Guard to assist victims of sexual assault. 

Service members (active-duty and reserve members on active-duty or in a drill status), civilian employees, adult dependents, and civilian visitors all may receive assistance from the SARC in the event of a sexual assault (e.g., crisis intervention, advocacy, resource referrals). Unrestricted and Restricted Reporting options are available when SAPRR services are elected, and both options come with entitlements designed to keep a member safe and provide advocacy through healing. If a sexual assault occurs between family members it is managed by the Family Advocacy Program (FAP); a Restricted Reporting option is available within FAP as well.

In addition to SARC assistance, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800656HOPE, with secure instant messaging available at www.rainn.org, and offers immediate crisis intervention and support, as well as referrals to appropriate resources in the location needed.