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.

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.

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 777-1985 or email hill.sarc@us.af.mil.

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.

Restricted Report

• Enables military members, dependents (18+) and DoD Air Force civilian employees who are victims to report allegations of sexual assault to specified personnel without initiating an investigation. Specified personnel include the SARC, a military healthcare provider, or an on-duty victim advocate. While chaplains have confidentiality/privilege, they cannot take a Restricted Report. Communication related to the incident is considered protected.
• Provides confidential reporting.
• Allows access to medical care, counseling and a victim advocate but does not initiate the investigative process. Intended to give the victim additional time and increased control over the release and management of the victim's personal information.
• Intended to give the victim additional time and increased control over the release and management of the victim's personal information.
• Empowers the victim to seek relevant information and support to make an informed decision about participating in the criminal process.
• Civilians and retired members are not eligible to make a restricted report.

Unrestricted Report

• Any report of a sexual assault made by a victim through normal reporting channels which includes the victim's chain of command, law enforcement, and the AFOSI or other criminal investigative service.
• No confidentiality.
• The SARC will be notified and assign a victim advocate to the individual.
• Details of the allegation will be provided only to those personnel who have a legitimate need to know.

Independent Report

• Information about a sexual assault is disclosed to command from an independent or third-party source.
• An official investigation may be initiated based upon an independent report.

Types of Reporting (print version)

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 Program Information

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