SAPR office

The mission of the Columbus AFB Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) office is to reinforce the Air Force's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual violence through a comprehensive policy that centers on awareness and prevention, training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting, and accountability. Air Force policy promotes sensitive care and confidential reporting for victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment as well as accountability for those who commit these crimes.

1. Call the SAPR hotline at (662) 364-0822. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will reach either a SARC or SAPR Victim Advocate that you can speak to confidentially.

2. Come by in person to any of our SAPR office locations: Room 170, Bldg 730 (MSG Building); Room 6132, Bldg 956 (Magnolia Inn); or Room 240, Bldg 268 (OG Building). The SARC or a victim advocate will provide you with confidential support and important information about reporting options. The offices are open Monday through Friday from 0730-1630.

Service members, their adult military dependents (18+) and DAF Civilians have two reporting options: Unrestricted Reporting and Restricted Reporting.

Restricted Reports permit adult victims of sexual assault to confidentially report the crime to specified individuals without triggering an investigation. Information provided to the chain of command does not reveal personally identifying information about the victim or alleged offender. Restricted Reporting allows the victim to receive Victims’ Counsel advice and medical and advocacy services.

Unrestricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to report crimes without requesting confidentiality of their allegations. DoD law enforcement initiates an investigation, and the chain of command is notified. Unrestricted Reporting allows victims to receive medical treatment, advocacy services, legal support, and eligibility for expedited transfer. In addition, Unrestricted Reporting allows victims of sexual assault to report retaliation in the SAPR program.

It is vital to know the differences between restricted and unrestricted reporting.

RESTRICTED

Contact SARC/VA/Health Care Provider
Command not notified
No Investigation initiated
SARC or Victim Advocate – provides supportive services
Medical care provided
Chaplain Services
Counseling provided
Legal assistance (Victims’ Counsel)
Can make unrestricted reporting decision at a later date
AF civilian employees are not eligible for expedited transfers and legal representation by Victim Counsel depends upon statutory authorities and will be determined at the time of request.

UNRESTRICTED

Can be made to SARC/VA/OSI/Command
*Command is notified*
*Investigation initiated*
SARC or Victim Advocate – provides supportive services
Medical care provided
Chaplain Services
Counseling provided
Legal assistance (Victims’ Counsel)
Expedited Transfer
*AF civilian employees are not eligible for medical service at MTF (unless individual reporting is otherwise a beneficiary)
AF civilian employees are not eligible for expedited transfers.

Victims' Counsel (VC) is a military attorney who specializes in representing victims of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, stalking, and other similar crimes.

What VC's Do for Sexual Assault Survivors?

Represents you and you alone
Provides confidential legal advice
Protects your rights & privacy interest
Provides legal assistance
Advises you on the investigation & prosecution
Attends interviews
Attends hearings & courts-martial

What is the role of the VC?

The VC has 3 main roles:
- (1) Advocate - to provide victims zealous advocacy by protecting their rights.
- (2) Advise - to provide legal advice – by developing victims’ understanding of the often complex investigatory and military justice system.
- (3) Empower - by removing barriers to their full participation in the military justice process.

How can you request an VC?

Contact the SARC or SAPR VA
Contact the local VC (Keesler AFB)
- Com: 228-376-8632 or 228-376-8633
- Duty Cell: 202-494-7059

How much does a VC cost?

VC services are free.

Definitions
- Sexual Assault
  Posted 11/23/2015
  Intentional sexual contact characterize 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.
- Consent
  Posted 11/23/2015
  Words or overt acts indicating a freely given agreement to the sexual conduct at issue 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.
- Victims’ Counsel
  Posted 11/23/2015
  attorneys who are assigned to provide legal assistance to sexual assault victims through independent representation; builds and sustains victim resiliency; empowers victims; increases the level of legal assistance provided to victims.
- Reprisal
  Posted 11/23/2015
  Taking or threatening to take an unfavorable personnel action, or withholding or threatening to withhold a favorable personnel action, for making, preparing to make, or being perceived as making or preparing to make a protected communication.
- Retaliation
  Posted 11/23/2015
  1. The taking or threatening to take an adverse personnel action, or withholding or threatening to withhold a favorable personnel action, with respect to a military member because the member reported a criminal offense or; 2. Ostracizing a military member, to include excluding from social acceptance, privilege or friendship with the intent to discourage reporting of a criminal offense or otherwise discourage the due administration of justice or; 3. Maltreating a military member, to include treatment by peers or by other persons, that, when viewed objectively under all the circumstances, is abusive or otherwise unnecessary for any unlawful purpose, that is done with the intent to discourage reporting of a criminal offense or otherwise discourage the due administration of justice, and that results in physical or mental harm or suffering, or reasonably could have caused physical or mental harm or suffering.
- Volunteer Victim Advocate (VVA)
  Posted 11/23/2015
  Military and DoD civilian employees who are selected, trained and credentialed to provide non-clinical crisis intervention, referral, and ongoing non-clinical support to adult sexual assault victims. Support will include providing information on available options and resources to victims. The VVA, on behalf of the sexual assault victim, provides liaison assistance with other organizations and agencies on victim care matters and reports directly to the SARC when performing victim advocacy duties.

Helpful Links and info
- Department of Defense Safe Helpline (anonymous if desired)
  Posted 09/21/2015
  - Talk with a certified counselor online
    Posted 09/21/2015
  - Safe Helpline (can connect you to your installation SARC): (877) 995-5247
    Posted 09/21/2015
  - DoD Safe Helpline Text: 55247
    Posted 09/21/2015
- Military Related Websites/Phone Number
  Posted 09/21/2015
  - DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Web Site
    Posted 09/21/2015
  - Military One Source (800) 342-9647
    Posted 09/21/2015
- Local/State Numbers and Website
  Posted 09/21/2015
  - Crisis Intervention (Helpline Columbus): (662) 328-0200
    Posted 09/21/2015
  - Safe Haven (Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center): (662) 327-6040
    Posted 09/21/2015
  - Mississippi Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA)
    Posted 09/21/2015
- National Website
  Posted 09/21/2015
  - Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
    Posted 09/21/2015
- Medical Assistance
  Posted 09/21/2015
  - Base Clinic Appointments: 434-2273
    Posted 09/21/2015
- Counseling and Mental Health Assistance
  Posted 09/21/2015
  - Base Chapel: 434-2500
    Posted 09/21/2015
  - Mental Health: 434-2239
    Posted 09/21/2015
  - Family Advocacy: 434-2197
    Posted 09/21/2015
- Legal/Law Enforcement Reports and Investigations
  Posted 09/21/2015
  - Air Force Office of Special Investigations: 434-2852
    Posted 09/21/2015
  - Command Post: 434-7020
    Posted 09/21/2015
  - Security Forces: 434-7129
    Posted 09/21/2015
  - Base Legal Assistance: 434-7030
    Posted 09/21/2015
- Judge Advocate Generals list of sexual assault convictions
  Posted 11/23/2015
  
  Click here for more information
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SAPR Office Mission

How To Report

Reporting Options

Victims' Counsel