Our team is here to help.
There are more than 50 nationally certified Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates serving in units throughout the Indiana National Guard. The SAPR Program actively hosts training for these advocates and continually seeks to certify new advocates. The program also hosts and attends several events each year to promote awareness.
If you've been sexually assaulted it's important to remember that it was not your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens.
Sexual assault and harassment have no place within the Indiana National Guard. Those actions contradict our core values and weaken our organization. Leaders at every level are expected to be proactive in preventing sexual assault and harassment by implementing the state Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program within their units and by instituting training that promotes bystander intervention and adherence to Army Values.
The SAPR Program’s mission is to develop an organizational culture where those who bring reports of sexual assault forward are:
- Protected
- Treated with care, dignity and discretion
- Suffer no hindrances to their personal and professional advancement
- Not stigmatized for reporting a sexual assault
Sexual Assault
Victims of sexual assault have two reporting options: Restricted and Unrestricted. Both options are described in detail below. Your Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA) can also explain your options.
IMPORTANT: If Command is notified of a sexual assault, they must report it to law enforcement regardless of report type.
Filing a Restricted Report allows you to confidentially disclose a sexual assault to a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA) without notifying your command or law enforcement. You may change a Restricted Report to an Unrestricted Report at any time.
When you file a Restricted Report, you are eligible for:
- Medical Treatment
- Sexual Assault Forensic Exam
- Counseling
- Chaplain Services
- Special Victim Counsel
- Legal Advocacy
- Victim Advocacy
A victim can file a Restricted Report even if:
- The sexual assault has been inadvertently or previously disclosed to command by the victim, suspect or third party
- The matter has been reported to law enforcement, to include the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, by anyone other than the victim
- An investigation is initiated, in progress or closed
Victims may elect to make a Restricted Report of sexual assault at any time, EXCEPT in cases where the victim:
- Personally reported the incident to law enforcement (including CID)
- Previously filed an Unrestricted Report with a signed DD Form 2910 (the Victim Reporting Preference Statement) for the same sexual assault
IMPORTANT: If Command is notified of a sexual assault, they must report it to law enforcement regardless of report type.
Filing an Unrestricted Report requires notification to law enforcement, official investigation and command notification. You can make an Unrestricted Report to a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA). Your commander or health care personnel may be additional resources who can support you when you are making a report.
An Unrestricted Report also allows you to request protective and support measures like an Expedited Transfer or Military Protective Order. An Unrestricted Report cannot be changed to a Restricted Report.
When you file an Unrestricted Report you are eligible for:
- Medical Treatment
- Sexual Assault Forensic Exam
- Counseling
- Chaplain Services
- Special Victim Counsel
- Legal Advocacy
- Victim Advocacy
- Command Support/Intervention
- Official Investigation
Retaliation for reporting sexual assault may consist of the following acts:
- Reprisal
- Ostracism
- Maltreatment, including cruelty and oppression
Report retaliation to the following:
- SARC/SAPR Victim Advocate (VA)
- Inspector General (IG)
- State Equal Employment Manager(SEEM) / EO Representative
- Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General Hotline: 800-424-9098
For more information on retaliation reporting options visit the DOD Safe Helpline:
The SAPR Program offers a wide array of resources to military victims of sexual assault, including:
- Victim advocacy
- Counseling
- Legal assistance
Adult dependents of Active Guard Reserve (AGR) service members may also qualify to receive these services. Your unit’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA) will be able to provide more details.
Additional Sexual Assault Resources and Information
The SAPR Program is networked with civilian agencies to ensure an even greater availability of resources to prevent sexual assault and to aid victims of sexual assault.
- DOD Safe Help Line - https://www.safehelpline.org/
- Service Directory - ICESAHT - https://icesaht.org/get-help/service-directory/
- RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network - https://www.rainn.org/resources
Harassment and Sexual Harassment
Harassment complaints, to include witnessing or experiencing sexual harassment, are reported through the EO/EEO program. Please contact your unit EO representative to file a complaint. If you would prefer to file a complaint outside your unit, you may contact the State Equal Employment Manager at 317-247-3237. For more information, the National EO information line is available at 1-703-607-7756.
Harassment and Sexual Harassment Reporting
If you are reporting sexual harassment with a sexual assault component, please contact the Indiana National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPR) 24/7-monitored number at 317-247-3172, in order to maintain confidentiality while determining what resource is best for you.
