The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) serves as the single point of authority for program accountability and oversight, in order to enable military readiness and reduce -- with a goal to eliminate -- sexual assault from the military.

Victim Assistance's mission is to provide high quality services and support to survivors of sexual assault that strengthen their resilience and instill confidence and trust in the reporting process, for both restricted and unrestricted reports. Restricted reports are confidential but not anonymous, and unrestricted reports are shared with the commander in the reporting location and investigated by Military Criminal Investigation Organization (MCIO).

The Restricted reporting 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 under this policy must use one of the following reporting avenues:

• Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
• SAPR Victim Advocate (VA)
• Healthcare Provider or Personnel

Because sexual assault is such an underreported crime (see Appendix A Department of Defense Report to the President of the United States on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response), it is critical that every survivor is treated with the sensitivity they deserve, the privacy they prefer, and the responsive support they need. This consistent and effective response may inspire other sexual assault victims to come forward and make either a restricted or unrestricted report. Reporting this crime is essential to deliver care and hold offenders appropriately accountable. 

Each person covered under DoD SAPR policy who reports a sexual assault is offered the assistance of a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or SAPR Victim Advocate (SAPR VA) who addresses safety needs, explains the reporting options, services available, and assists with navigating the reporting process. SARCs and SAPR VAs offer expertise to prepare victims for the road ahead and will advocate on behalf of a victim along the way. They will provide professional assistance with obtaining a special victims' counsel or victims' legal counsel, medical care, counseling services, legal and spiritual support, and obtaining off-base resources, if so desired. Find additional information regarding the responsibilities of SARCs and SAPR VAs in DoD Directive 6495.01.

For assistance or additional information, contact Maj Estelle Murray at 302-326-SARC (7272).

The DoD Safe Helpline - the Department's anonymous crisis support service, available 24/7 worldwide, where users can click, call, text, download the mobile app, and participate in an online peer-to-peer group, for anonymous and confidential resources and support.

Telephone Helpline: Calling (877) 995-5247 allows users to speak with trained Safe Helpline staff for personalized advice and support.