MEANG SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM
The Maine Air National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program reinforces the Air Force's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through awareness and prevention training, education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and accountability. The Air Force promotes sensitive care and confidential reporting for victims of sexual assault and accountability for those who commit these crimes
Sexual assault is criminal conduct. It falls well short of the standards America expects of its men and women in uniform. Specifically, it violates Air Force Core Values. Inherent in our core values of Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do is respect: self-respect, mutual respect and respect for our Air Force as an institution.
Our core values and respect are the foundation of our wingman culture -- a culture in which we look out for each other and take care of each other. Incidents of sexual assault corrode the very fabric of our wingman culture; therefore, we must strive for an environment where this type of behavior is not tolerated and where all Airmen are respected.
Sexual Assault and Consent Defined:
Sexual Assault: For the purpose of this Directive and SAPR awareness training and education, the term "sexual assault" is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, 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. (AFI 90-6001)
Consent: "Consent" is defined as 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 by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the sexual conduct at issue shall not constitute consent.
Sexual Assault Reporting Options:
The Air Force has instituted avenues for reporting sexual assault in the form of Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting.
Restricted Reporting:
This option is for adult victims of sexual assault who wish to confidentially disclose the crime to specifically identified individuals without triggering the official investigative process or notification to command. Service members or their adult military dependents who desire Restricted Reporting must use a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), a SAPR Victim Advocate (VA) or Healthcare
Unrestricted Reporting:
This option is for adult victims of sexual assault who desire an official investigation and command notification in addition to healthcare, victim advocacy and legal services. When selecting Unrestricted Reporting, you should use current reporting channels such as law enforcement, chain of command, the SARC or SAPR VA or healthcare personnel.
Independent Reporting is an assault reported by someone other than the victim.
Eligibility:
All Maine National Guard (MENG) members and their legal dependents over the age of 18, as well as members of tenant units and their legal dependents over the age of 18, are eligible to file a restricted or an unrestricted report, regardless of whether the assault occurred before or during military service.
CATCH A SERIAL OFFENDER PROGRAM (CATCH):
The CATCH Program gives people making a sexual assault report, where the name of the suspect is not known by law enforcement, an opportunity to anonymously submit suspect information to help the Department of Defense identify serial offenders. For more information, reach out to a SAPR Professional.
What is a Special Victim’s Counsel (SVC)?
IAW DTM 14-003
The Special Victim’s Counsel is a legal support function for victims of sexual assault that provides legal advice and guidance, and maintains a victim’s confidentiality. A victim can access this support whether they file a Restricted Report of an Unrestricted Report. A victim/survivor can also access an SVC even if they have not yet made an official report. The relationship between the SVC and the sexual assault victim is protected by attorney client privilege.
Retaliation - Who to Notify:
DoD Office of Inspector General Hotline
1-800-424-9098