SAPR Provides Support to Those Affected by Sexual Assault

Reporting a sexual assault can come with many uncertainties. It’s important to understand the options available for reporting a sexual assault and the resources provided by the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program.

The Marine Corps encourages all victims of sexual assault to come forward and receive support and advocacy without fear of retaliation.

What is Retaliation?

Retaliation can include ostracism, reprisal, restriction, and/or acts of maltreatment against a service member who made or is preparing to make protected communication. There are multiple resources to help with reporting retaliation and to assist those who have experienced it in connection to sexual assault.

Understanding and Reporting Retaliation

Reach out to your Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate (SAPR VA) to help you understand what constitutes retaliation and how to submit a formal retaliation report.  

Additional assistance is available, such as:

• Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC)
• Command Inspector General
• Department of Defense Inspector General (DoD IG)
• Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
• Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA)
• Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)

Who Can Report Retaliation?

Reporting retaliation is not just limited to those who experienced sexual assault. It can also be reported by individuals who:

• Witnessed or have knowledge of the assault
• Assisted those who experienced the assault
• Intervened during the assault

Eligible Reporters Include:

• Those eligible for SAPR services:
  • Members of the armed forces who are on active duty
  • Reservists serving on active duty
  • Members and former members entitled to retired or retainer pay
  • Military dependents of service members and retirees
  • DoD employees who are a victim of sexual assault
• Witnesses to the sexual assault
• Bystanders/those who intervened
• SARCs and/or SAPR VAs
• Other responders (law enforcement, chaplains)
• Friends or co-workers aware of the retaliation

Filing a Report

Individuals eligible to report retaliation can reach out to a SARC or SAPR VA to complete and sign a DD Form 2910-2.

For more information and additional resources on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, visit www.usmc-mccs.com/sapr.