The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program serves as the single point of contact to facilitate victim support services, promote sexual assault training and awareness, and provide policy and program assistance to commands located aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow.
The Program serves as the focal point for coordinating all sexual assault prevention and response actions on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. The SAPR Program's mission is two-fold: to address the needs of military members that have been victims of sexual assault and to proactively provide relevant, interactive training on a regular, continuous basis to all Marines and Sailors aboard MCLB Barstow in an effort to eliminate sexual assault from within our ranks.
A SAPR Victim Advocate is assigned to help lessen the stress of a sexual assault. SAPR VAs have been trained and are able to offer victims assistance in three main areas: support, providing information about the different reporting options afforded them, and referrals to a multitude of different resources-both on base and in the local civilian community. Although SAPR VAs are not counselors, they do help victims navigate the system and can put the victims in touch with licensed, certified counselors and professionally trained victim advocates.
Sexual Assault is a crime, and it will take the efforts of every Marine, Sailor and leader to purge it from the Marine Corps.
Knowing Your Options
Service members and military dependents (18 years and older) have two options when it comes to reporting sexual assault: Unrestricted or Restricted Reporting. The victim will need to fill out a DD form 2910 with assistance from a Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA), or Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC).
Unrestricted Reporting – is recommended for victims who desire al law enforcement investigation, enlists the support of the chain of command, and provides a victim with access to ALL supportive service options:
-Advocacy Services (support, information, referral, and accompaniment)
-Medical/Counseling Services
-Victims' Legal Counsel
-Military Protective Order
-Civilian Protective Order
-Expedited Transfer
-CATCH Program when the name of suspect is not known by law enforcement
For an Unrestricted Report - Victims can disclose a sexual assault to the following people:
-SAPR Victim Advocate
-Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
-Healthcare Personnel
-Chaplain
-Victims' Legal Counsel
-Chain of Command
-Law Enforcement
With Unrestricted Report, knowledge of the sexual assault is limited to those with an official need-to-know.
In the event of an independent investigation that is initiated by a third party reporting from a source other than the victim. The victims can elect not to participate in the investigation by signing a 540k Victim Preference Letter. The investigation may continue their investigation without the victim’s participation or the MCIO may agree to close the investigation. Speak to your SARC or SAPR VA for further information regarding the 540k Victim Preference Letter.
Restricted Reporting - is available for Service members and their SAPR eligible military dependents 18 years of age or older. Restricted Reports allows the victim to confidential disclose their sexual assault to certain individuals, does not trigger an investigation or command involvement, and allows the victim to access THESE supportive service options:
-Advocacy Services (support, information, referral, and accompaniment)
-Medical/Counseling Services
-Victims' Legal Counsel
-CATCH Program
A victim can choose to convert a Restricted Report to Unrestricted at any time. However, once an Unrestricted Report is made, the Restricted Reporting option is no longer available.
Victims may still elect a Restricted Report if they did not personally report the sexual assault to law enforcement, including MCIOS, and/or did not previously elect to make an Unrestricted Report by signing a DD Form 2910 on the same sexual assault incident.
In the event a victim or third party discloses a Restricted Report to the command, it does not negate the command from the standard notification and reporting responsibilities. The commander will not ask SARC for details nor will they speak to the victim about the incident.
For a Restricted Report - ** Some state and local laws require healthcare personnel to disclose sexual assault incidents to law enforcement. NDAA FY 16 Section 536 preempts mandatory reporting laws if the victim reports to an MTF first, thereby preserving the Restricted Reporting option. Your SAPR VA can help you navigate your state and local laws.
Victim Reporting Options Guide
To make a report of Sexual Assault call the SAPR 24/7 Support Line: (760) 577-6036
DoD Safe Helpline: (877) 995-5247
Important Reminders and Department of Veterans Affairs Resources
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) offers help to Service members who have experienced sexual assault. The VA uses the term “military sexual trauma” (MST) to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during Military Service. The following summarizes the assistance available to Service members:
MST Counseling at Vet Centers. This may include a variety of services, information, and referrals to help you deal with the emotions of MST and regain confidence in your everyday life. Any veteran, or Service member including members of the National Guard and Reserve Component, is eligible to receive counseling regardless of sex or era of Service. Assessment and referral for MST-related counseling is available at all Vet Centers. This counseling may be accessed by Service members confidentially. On-site counseling is available at select Vet Centers across the country. Find your closest Vet Center here: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
MST Coordinators. Every VA healthcare facility has a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) MST coordinator who can assist in accessing MST-related medical and mental healthcare. Information is available at https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/vha-mst-coordinators.asp
MST Disability Claims. For help with disability claims related to MST, contact the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) MST Outreach Coordinator at your local VBA regional office. Information is available at https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/mstcoordinators.asp
MST General Facts Sheet
DoW VA Resources
Notes about assistance from the VA:
When Service members seek care at a VA medical center, information regarding treatment will be included in VA medical records and protected from unauthorized disclosure. VA medical records may be accessed by DoW personnel under certain circumstances on a need-to-know basis. However, MST counseling received at a Vet Center is confidential and such records are not available to the DoW.
Service members on flying status, in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP), or in the Presidential Support Program (PSP) are reminded to follow DoW and Service policy requiring them to inform the flight surgeon or Competent Medical Authority anytime they receive medical and mental healthcare, especially when that care is from a non-DoW or non-TriCare source. Failure to do so may jeopardize your ability to continue in the PRP, PSP, or on flight status, and could possibly have other career implications.
Safe Helpline www.SafeHelpline.org
DoD Sexual Assault Helpline: 877-995-5247
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office
www.sapr.mil
Marine Corps Community Services SAPR
www.mccsbarstow.com/sapr
Additional Resources/Contact Numbers:|
**For emergencies, dial 911 immediately**
MCLB Chaplain Located at Camp Pendleton and serving Barstow: (760) 470-7077 (24/7)
Community Counseling Program (Barstow) : 760-577-6533
Michelle Adams, Installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, MCLB Barstow
Captain William Kemp, Assistant Accountable Property Officer, Yermo Annex/MCLB Barstow
Sergeant Irene Ochoa, MCLB Barstow
Staff Sergeant Ariana Otmanowski, Supply Chief, MCLB Barstow