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Sexual Assault FAQs
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault is a crime. Sexual assault is defined as intentional
sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat
or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot
consent. Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy
(oral or anal sex), indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate
sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commit these
acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or
spousal relationship or age of victim.
"Consent" shall not be deemed or construed to mean
the failure by the victim to offer physical resistance. Consent
is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, coercion
or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious.
If I am Sexually Assaulted what should I do?
First, get to a safe place. If you are in need of urgent medical
attention, call 911. If you are not injured, you still need
medical assistance to protect your health. The medical treatment
facility (MTF) offers you a safe and caring environment. To
protect evidence, it is important that you do not shower, brush
your teeth, put on make-up, eat, drink, or change your clothes
until advised to do so. You or the MTF may report the crime
to law enforcement, criminal investigation agencies, or to
your chain of command. If you feel uncomfortable reporting
the crime, consider calling a confidential counseling resource
available to you. Here you may discuss your concerns and questions
regarding the assault and the reporting process.
You may also contact the On Call Victim Advocate or SARC to
get information on your confidential reporting options on the
installation. (270) 798-6383 during business hours or (270)
498-4319 24/7.
What resources are available to care for victims of sexual
assault?
Military One Source offers real help, anytime, anywhere.
A master's level consultant will speak to victims who are
eligible for this service at no charge, 24/7/365. CONUS call
1.800.655.4545, internationally toll free at 800.3429.6477
or internationally dialed collect at 484.530.5947. Other
resources are the local Medical Treatment Facility; Military
Police/Criminal Investigation Division; your commander, supervisor,
or First Sergeant; the chaplain, social services, family
advocacy, and legal services. Military One Source, Army psychiatric
counselors, and chaplains are confidential counseling channels.
A list of local resources is also available on this website
Where will Sexual Assault Forensic Exams be stored?
The Provost Marshall’s Office (PMO) will store all evidence
collection kits for Restricted cases with a non identifying
case number for up to one year from the date the evidence was
collected. For Unrestricted cases, the evidence collection
kits will be maintained through the Criminal Investigation
Division (CID).
When recovering from a sexual assault, what may a victim expect?
Every person reacts differently to sexual assault. There are
five stages of recovery, which most victims will experience
to some degree. It is not unusual for different people to
experience the stages in different orders or even to repeat
stages several times. These stages are:
Stage 1: Initial Shock - Shock following an assault can take
on many forms. Victims may experience emotional as well as
physical shock, which in turn could be expressed as very controlled,
and/or withdrawn, or, highly expressive, including crying,
screaming or shaking. Victims may or may not feel comfortable
communicating these feeling others.
Stage 2: Denial - This stage may find victims attempting to
go on with a normal routine and wanting to forget about the
assault. This denial or rationalization of what happened is
an attempt to deal with inner turmoil.
Stage 3: Reactivation - This stage involves a re-experiencing
of the feelings from Stage 1, usually brought on by the triggering
of memories of the assault. Feelings of depression, anxiety
and shame increase. Other symptoms can include nightmares,
flashbacks, and a sense of vulnerability, mistrust and physical
complaints.
Stage 4: Anger - Victims may experience feelings of anger -
often toward themselves, friends, significant others, society,
the legal system, all men/women, etc. Sometimes through counseling,
this anger can be dispelled.
Stage 5: Integration (Closure) - As victims integrate the thoughts
and feelings stemming from the assault into their life experience
victims will begin to feel "back on track." As a
result of support, education and the passage of time, victims
may feel strengthened.
Can men be sexually assaulted?
Yes, men may be victims of forcible sodomy or indecent assault.
Therefore, all resources for sexual assault are available,
regardless of gender.
What legal representation and/or assistance does a Soldier
have when he or she is sexually assaulted?
A Soldier victim will be assigned a Victim Witness Liaison
(VWL) who will explain the rights of victims and will keep
the Soldier informed of all of the steps in the legal proceedings
involving his/her case. However, victims of sexual assault
are not represented by a criminal, military attorney. A military
attorney can answer questions about the legal process and related
proceedings but will not represent the victim. See AR 27-10,
Military Justice, chapter 18 for more details on victim's rights
and the role of the VWL. A victim may also seek legal advice
from a military or civilian attorney at their installation
legal assistance office.
What happens when a Soldier is sexually assaulted by someone
outside the military (civilians) or by someone from another
country (military or civilian)?
CID will be involved in sexual assault cases that involve
an Army victim or that affect the Army. Typically, CID conducts
joint investigations with civilian police authorities (US or
foreign) or with foreign military law enforcement agencies
in these types of cases. Each investigative agency conducts
complimentary investigative tasks to prepare a complete final
report that can be provided to the appropriate judicial authority
(military or civilian).
Does this program apply to Civilians and Military Personnel?
The charter was to develop a prevention and response program
for Soldiers. Currently the program is designed only for
Soldiers; however, the DoD and the Army are reviewing procedures
on how to extend to others.
24/7
Victim Advocacy support, information, and referral
services are available to Civilians and Soldiers.
Contact
us at (270) 412-5500, 7:30am-4:30pm
or
(270) 498-4319
after hours
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