SAPR Office Mission

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.

How To Report

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.

Reporting Options

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

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
  • Helpful Links and info
    • Judge Advocate Generals list of sexual assault convictions
      Posted 11/23/2015


      Click here for more information