Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

The Hill AFB Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) serves as the single point of contact for integrating and coordinating sexual assault victim (survivor) care 24/7, 365 days a year. The SAPR office is also responsible for providing sexual assault prevention training throughout the installation. Help is just a phone call away. If you have been sexually assaulted, please call the Hill AFB Sexual Assault 24/7 Response Line at 801-777-1985/DSN 777-1985.

SAPR Office Changes

The SAPR Office now provides advocacy services for military members experiencing sexual harassment. The change does not apply to our civilian partners. Clients will have the ability to file a restricted and unrestricted report, similar to a sexual assault case. We will provide resources, support, and advocacy to our clients of sexual harassment. The
Equal Opportunity Office will still be the primary for processing sexual harassment cases and will be notified of all unrestricted cases. For more information, please call the SAPR Office at 801-777-1950.

What is Sexual Assault

Intentional sexual contact characterized by the use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent.

As used by the Department of Defense, the term "sexual assault" includes a broad category of sexual offenses consisting of the following specific Uniform Code of Military Justice offenses: rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit these offenses.

These offenses are defined in Article 120, Article 120b, and Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and can be reviewed here.

Victim's Rights

Under 10 U.S.C. § 806b:

(a)RIGHTS OF A VICTIM OF AN OFFENSE UNDER THIS CHAPTER.A victim of an offense under this chapter has the following rights:

(1)The right to be reasonably protected from the accused.

(2)The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any of the following:
(A) A public hearing concerning the continuation of confinement prior to trial of the accused.
(B) A preliminary hearing under section 832 of this title (article 32) relating to the offense.
(C) A court-martial relating to the offense.
(D) A public proceeding of the service clemency and parole board relating to the offense.
(E) The release or escape of the accused, unless such notice may endanger the safety of any person.

(3)The right not to be excluded from any public hearing or proceeding described in paragraph (2) unless the military judge or investigating officer, as applicable, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim of an offense under this chapter would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that hearing or proceeding.

(4)The right to be reasonably heard at any of the following:
(A) A public hearing concerning the continuation of confinement prior to trial of the accused.
(B) A sentencing hearing relating to the offense.
(C) A public proceeding of the service clemency and parole board relating to the offense.

(5)The reasonable right to confer with the counsel representing the Government at any proceeding described in paragraph (2).

(6)The right to receive restitution as provided in law.

(7)The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.

(8)The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the dignity and privacy of the victim of an offense under this chapter.

Utah Bill of Rights

The Utah State Legislature has also passed a number of provisions in a continuing attempt to afford victims the rights that they deserve. Today, victims of crime have rights that are protected by law.

1. You have the right to know the status of the case in which you are involved.

2. You have the right to be free from threats and intimidation.

3. You are entitled to employer intercession services to assist in resolving any issues surrounding missed work to participate in the criminal justice process.

4. You have the right to privacy and should not be forced to disclose their address telephone number, place of employment, or other locating info, without compelling reason.

5. You have the right to understand the existing victim compensation laws and receive compensation if applicable.

6. You have the right to a secure waiting area, which is not available to the defendant or his/her family, when you are at court.

7. You have the right to know when the defendant is released from custody before or during trial (upon written request).

8. You have the right to know when the offender is released from prison (upon written request).

Air Force victim advocates provide essential support, liaison services and care to a sexual assault victim.

Victim advocates are active duty military personnel and DoD civilian employees selected by the SARC and who have completed a 40-hour training course.

Victim advocates are volunteers who must possess the maturity and experience to assist in very sensitive situations.

Responsibilities include:

 

  • Providing crisis intervention, referral and ongoing non-clinical support.
  • Providing information on available options and resources to assist the victim in making informed decisions about the case.
  • Services will continue until the victim states support is no longer needed.
  • Does not provide counseling or other professional services to a victim.
  • May be present with the victim, at the victim's request, during investigative interviews and medical examinations.

Become a Volunteer

The Air Force 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 behavior is not tolerated and where all Airmen are respected.

For more information on becoming a victim advocate, please contact the SAPR office at 801-777-1945 or email hill.sarc@us.af.mil.

 

SAPR Office Location

The SAPR Office is now part of the Integrated Resiliency Center. Still located in building 460, we are now co-located with the Hill Domestic Assault Victim Advocates, the Religious Support Team, and the Victims Council to provide the installation better, more streamlined support. Feel free to stop by and see the changes!

Guidelines for Reporting

If you have been the victim of sexual assault, remember...
  • Immediately report any assault; however evidence may still be collected up to 5 days after the incident.
  • Never hesitate to get help.
  • Do not change clothes (if you do, bring soiled clothing in a paper bag--not plastic). 
You don't have to be alone!

1. The assault was NOT your fault. 
You did not cause it to happen.
2. People are here to help. We are committed to supporting you and
your family members in the most sensitive and private way possible.
3. There is no "right way" in dealing with sexual assault. It is okay to be angry and important to stand up for yourself as you are ready. Let the SARC/victim advocate put you in touch with all the resources and assistance available to you.
4. Take care of yourself and ask for what you need.Remember, before washing or cleaning up, seek medical attention.

Types of Reporting

Restricted Report

  • Enables military members, dependents (18+) and DoD Air Force civilian employees who are survivors of sexual assault to report to SAPR personnel without initiating an investigation.
  • Communication related to the incident is considered protected and confidential.
  • Allows access to medical care, counseling and a victim advocate but does not initiate the investigative process.
  • Intended to give the survivor additional time and increased control over the release and management of personal information.
  • Empowers the survivor to seek relevant information and support to make an informed decision about participating in the investigative process.

Unrestricted Report

  • A report of a sexual assault made by a survivor through normal reporting channels which includes the survivor’s chain of command, law enforcement, and AFOSI or other criminal investigative service.
  • Details of the allegation will only be provided to those personnel who have a legitimate need to know.
  • The SAPR office will help facilitate and advocate for any resources the survivor may need, to include a victim advocate.

Independent Report

  • Information about a sexual assault is disclosed to law enforcement from an independent or third-party source.
  • An official investigation may be initiated based upon an independent report.
  • A survivor does not have to participate in an investigation.

Types of Reporting (print version)

Victims' Counsel

Victim's Counsel (VC) serves as a sexual assault victim's personal attorney at Air Force expense. They are active duty judge advocates whose sole role is to represent victims in a confidential, attorney-client relationship, throughout the investigation and prosecution processes.

By federal law, Air Force VCs are only authorized to provide legal assistance to:

  • All Air Force Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard victims, who are in Title 10 status at the time of the offense, and report they are a victim of a sexual assault under the UCMJ or state and federal laws criminalizing sexual assault.
  • All adult dependents of active duty military personnel from any branch, who file an unrestricted report that they are the victim of sexual assault under the UCMJ, when an Air Force commander may exercise jurisdiction over the alleged offender.
  • All Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard victims, who are in a Title 10 status at the time of the offense, and file an unrestricted report that they are the victim of sexual assault under the UCMJ, when an Air Force commander may exercise jurisdiction over the alleged offender.

Additional information about the VC Program can be found at the following link:

VC can be requested locally through Hill's Judge Advocate Office at 801-777-6756, Sexual Assasult Response Coordinator at 801-777-1985 or Family Advocacy Program at 801-777-3497.

  • Talking About Sexual Assault: Society's Response to Survivors, By Sarah E. Ullman, PhD
  • The Macho Paradox: Why Some Men Hurt Women and How All Men Can Help, by Jackson Katz
  • I Never Called It Rape, by Robin Warshaw
  • Journey to Wholeness, by Monique Lang
  • The Rape Recovery Handbook: Step-By-Step Help for Survivors of Sexual Assault, by Aphrodite Matsakis
  • Recovering from Rape, by Linda Ledray 
  • If She Is Raped: A Guidebook for Husbands, Fathers, and Male Friends, by Alan McEvoy
  • The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse, by Wendy Maltz
  • How to Survive Sexual Assault for Women, Men, Teenagers, and Their Friends and Families, by Helen Benedict
  • I Can't Get Over It, A Handbook for Trauma Survivors, by Aphrodite Matsakis
  • Hush, by Nicole Braddock Bromley
  • When You Are the Partner of Rape or Incest Survivor: A Workbook for You, by Robert Barry Levine
  • Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, by Ellen Bass
  • The Courage to Heal Workbook: For Women and Men Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, by Laura Davis
  • Voices of Courage, by Michael Domitrz
  • Lucky, by Alice Sebold

Contact Information

Sexual Assault Response Coordinators
Janet Dillingham
Ashley Willey
1st Lt Samantha Van Vynck

Victim Advocates
Jessica Patten
Stephanie Pyka

Email
hill.sarc@us.af.mil

Office
801-777-1950
DSN 777-1950

Useful Resources

Hill AFB 24-Hour Report Line
801-777-1985
DSN 777-1985

DoD Safe Helpline
877-995-5247 or text location or zip to 55247
http://www.safehelpline.org

Military OneSource
800-342-9647
http://www.militaryonesource.com

Utah Department of Health 24-Hour Rape &Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline
888-421-1100

On Base Agencies

Victims Counsel
801-586-9384

Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates (24/7)
385-209-1811

Airmen & Family Readiness
801-777-4681

Hill AFB Chapel
801-777-2106

Base Legal Assistance
801-777-6756

AFOSI
801-777-1852

Security Forces (LE Desk)
801-777-3056

Command Post
801-777-3007

Equal Opportunity
801-777-4856

Family Advocacy Program 
801-777-3497

Mental Health
801-777-7909

SLC VA Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator   
801-582-1565  Ext: 3497

Vet Center, North Ogden
801-737-9737

Vet Center, Murray
801-266-1499

Off Base Agencies

Northern Utah Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (NUSANE)
888-328-3605

Safe Harbor Crisis Center - Kaysville
Business Line: 801-444-3191
24/7 Crisis Line: 801-444-9161
http://www.safeharborhope.org/

Rape Recovery Center - Salt Lake City
801-467-7273
http://www.raperecoverycenter.org

Your Community Connection (YCC) - Ogden
801-394-9456

Weber State University Services for Women Students - Ogden
801-626-6090
http://www.weber.edu/sws

CATCH Program

The CATCH Program gives people making a Restricted Report an opportunity to anonymously disclose suspect information to help the Department of Defense identify serial offenders. CATCH allows sexual assault victims (Service members and adult dependents) to discover if the suspect in their Restricted Report may have also assaulted another person (a “match” in the CATCH website), and having that knowledge, decide whether to convert their Restricted Report to Unrestricted to initiate an investigation of the serial offender suspect. For more information, contact your local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA) or visit https://www.sapr.mil/CATCH.