Navigating SHARP/SAPR: A Guide to DoD Sexual Assault & Harassment Resources

Last updated 3 hours ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is fundamentally committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all personnel, free from sexual assault and sexual harassment. These harmful behaviors violate core military values, erode trust, degrade unit cohesion, and ultimately undermine military readiness.

Recognizing the need for robust support and prevention mechanisms, the DoD established the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program. Within the Army, this effort is known as the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program.

This guide helps Service members, eligible family members, DoD civilians, and others in the military community understand these vital programs and navigate available resources for prevention, support, and reporting.

Understanding SAPR and SHARP

What Are SAPR and SHARP?

The DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program is the department-wide framework established under DoD Directive 6495.01. It provides overarching policy and assigns responsibilities for preventing and responding to sexual assault across all military services.

The DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) serves as the central authority, overseeing policy implementation, developing innovative programs, and collaborating with military services and civilian organizations to ensure a unified approach. SAPRO leads change and ensures compliance with standards designed to protect and support victims.

The Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program operates under the DoD SAPR umbrella. SHARP specifically addresses both sexual harassment and sexual assault within Army ranks, implementing DoD policies with Army-specific procedures, training, and resources.

While the Army uses the SHARP acronym, the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and National Guard operate SAPR programs aligned with DoD policy. The Coast Guard, while part of the Department of Homeland Security, maintains a closely aligned program known as the Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, & Recovery (SAPRR) program and utilizes many DoD resources.

Mission and Purpose

The fundamental purpose of both SAPR and SHARP is to eliminate sexual assault and sexual harassment from the military environment. This involves:

• Fostering a culture where every individual is treated with dignity and respect
• Preventing incidents before they occur
• Providing comprehensive and compassionate support to victims/survivors
• Ensuring offenders are held appropriately accountable

SAPRO’s official mission is “to provide unparalleled warfighter support, advocacy, and recovery assistance – anytime, anywhere,” with a vision of a military completely free from sexual assault.

The Army SHARP program strives to achieve its goals by:

• Reducing the stigma associated with reporting
• Protecting victims from retaliation or further harm
• Enhancing prevention efforts
• Ensuring thorough investigation and prosecution
• Improving victim care capabilities
• Increasing training and resources
• Continually refining response mechanisms

These programs directly support military readiness. Sexual assault and harassment damage unit cohesion, break down trust among team members, and can severely impact an individual’s ability to perform their duties, affecting overall mission effectiveness.

Program History

The formal SAPR program emerged in the early 2000s, largely in response to increased scrutiny and specific incidents that highlighted shortcomings in how the military addressed sexual assault, such as issues at the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2003.

In February 2004, the Secretary of Defense directed a comprehensive 90-day review of all sexual assault policies and programs. This led to the creation of the Care for Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force, which identified key areas for improvement. Subsequently, the Joint Task Force for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (JTF-SAPR) was established in October 2004 to develop a unified DoD policy.

A critical outcome of the JTF-SAPR’s work was the introduction of the Restricted Reporting option in June 2005, allowing Service members to confidentially access care without automatically triggering an investigation. The JTF-SAPR’s efforts formed the foundation for the primary governing policies still in place today: DoD Directive 6495.01 (establishing the program) and DoD Instruction 6495.02 (detailing procedures). The DoD SAPRO was officially established in 2005 to provide centralized oversight and accountability.

Since their inception, the SAPR and SHARP programs have continuously evolved, often driven by external factors such as Congressional mandates in the annual National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs) and recommendations from independent bodies like the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military (IRC-SAM) established in 2021. This pattern of updates reflects a system that adapts based on identified needs, external pressure, and a commitment to improving prevention and response efforts.

Who Is Served: Eligibility for Support

Eligibility for SAPR/SHARP services depends on several factors, including military status, location, and relationship to the alleged offender:

Service Members

• Active Duty: All active duty members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard are eligible for the full range of SAPR/SHARP services.
• Reserve Component and National Guard: Members who are sexually assaulted while performing active service or inactive duty training receive comprehensive support. They are also eligible for SAPR advocacy services and reporting options if assaulted while not in a duty status or prior to their military service.

Military Dependents and Civilians

• Adult Military Dependents: Dependents aged 18 and older who are eligible for treatment in the military healthcare system can generally access SAPR services, including Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting, both in the U.S. (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS). This eligibility typically excludes cases where the assault was allegedly perpetrated by the dependent’s spouse or intimate partner.
• DoD Civilian Employees: Recent policy changes have expanded eligibility. DoD civilian employees may now generally file both Restricted and Unrestricted Reports through their employing DoD component’s SAPR program.
• Dependents of DoD Civilians (OCONUS): Adult dependents (18+) of DoD civilians stationed OCONUS who are eligible for military healthcare may make Unrestricted Reports and receive limited emergency care and SAPR assistance.
• DoD Contractors (OCONUS): U.S. citizen contractor personnel authorized to accompany the Armed Forces during contingency operations OCONUS (and their U.S. citizen employees) are eligible for Unrestricted Reporting and limited emergency care/SAPR services OCONUS.
• Prior Service Assaults: Service members who experienced sexual assault before joining the military are eligible to receive SAPR services and utilize either reporting option.

Family Advocacy Program Distinction

The SAPR/SHARP programs generally do not handle cases of sexual assault perpetrated by a victim’s current or former spouse or intimate partner, or cases involving military dependents under the age of 18. These situations fall under the Family Advocacy Program (FAP), which is the DoD’s designated program for addressing domestic abuse, child abuse/neglect, and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth.

For unmarried “dating” partners: SAPR may provide services unless the situation meets specific FAP criteria (e.g., involving a current/former spouse, sharing a child, or sharing/having shared a common domicile).

The complexity of these eligibility rules highlights the importance of the DoD’s “No Wrong Door” approach. Regardless of which support office a victim initially contacts (SAPR, FAP, Chaplain, etc.), they should be assisted either directly or through a warm handoff to the appropriate resource, ensuring seamless access to care and support.

Core DoD Resource: The Safe Helpline

A cornerstone of DoD’s support system is the DoD Safe Helpline, the Department’s sole crisis support hotline specifically for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. It provides completely anonymous, confidential, specialized support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, worldwide.

Confidential Support Services

The Safe Helpline is operated for the DoD by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest non-profit anti-sexual violence organization. This partnership ensures that support is provided by trained professionals outside the direct military system, reinforcing confidentiality. Services include:

• One-on-One Crisis Support: Live, confidential help from trained staff via telephone or secure online chat. Staff are uniquely trained to understand the military context.
• Information and Resources: Vital information about the effects of sexual assault, recovery processes, reporting options, and connecting users with military and civilian resources.
• Referrals and Warm Handoffs: Connecting users directly (with their permission) to installation SARCs or SAPR VAs, civilian rape crisis centers, Military OneSource, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or other relevant medical, legal, or mental health resources.
• Peer-to-Peer Support: The Safe HelpRoom offers a moderated, secure online environment for survivors within the military community to connect and support each other. Specific sessions, such as one exclusively for male survivors, are available.
• Self-Care Tools: Access to exercises, coping strategies, personalized self-care plans, and guided relaxation techniques through the website and mobile app to aid in managing the effects of trauma.
• Educational Materials: Free online courses and information on topics like recovering from sexual assault or how to support a friend or colleague. The “Safe Helpline 101” course provides an overview of its services.
• Local Resource Locator: Users can find contact information for their local SARC or other base resources by texting their location or searching on the Safe Helpline website.

How to Connect with Safe Helpline

Safe Helpline offers multiple confidential ways to connect:

• Telephone: Call 877-995-5247 anytime, from anywhere in the world. (DSN users can call this number; an alternative number is 202-540-5962).
• Online Chat: Access secure, live instant messaging at SafeHelpline.org.
• Mobile App: Download the free DoD Safe Helpline app (available on App Store/Google Play) for access to calling (via Wi-Fi), self-care tools, and resources, some potentially available offline.
• Text (for Resource Info): Text your Zip code or installation/base name to 55-247 (within the U.S.) or +1 571-470-5546 (outside the U.S.) to receive automated contact information for local resources like your SARC. Note that crisis support is not provided via text, only resource information.
• Website: The central online hub is SafeHelpline.org.

Eligibility for Safe Helpline Support

The Safe Helpline is broadly available to the DoD community as defined by SAPR policy. This includes:

• Adult Service members (Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, Coast Guard, transitioning members) and their adult dependents (18+).
• DoD civilian employees and their adult dependents (18+) when stationed or performing duties OCONUS.
• U.S. citizen DoD contractor personnel authorized to accompany Armed Forces in an OCONUS contingency operation.

A critical aspect of the Safe Helpline’s accessibility is its “support first” approach. Because the service is anonymous and confidential, staff do not ask questions to confirm eligibility before providing support. Anyone who contacts the Safe Helpline will receive crisis intervention support.

If, during the conversation, it becomes apparent the individual is not eligible for ongoing DoD SAPR services, the staff will provide appropriate referrals to civilian or other military resources. This victim-centric operational choice prioritizes immediate access to help over bureaucratic hurdles, recognizing that someone in crisis needs support without delay.

Reporting Options for Sexual Assault/Harassment

Deciding whether and how to report a sexual assault or incident of sexual harassment is a deeply personal decision. The DoD recognizes that while reporting facilitates accountability and access to the full spectrum of services, the primary concern is the victim’s well-being and recovery. Therefore, the SAPR/SHARP programs offer distinct reporting options designed to give adult victims control over the process, particularly regarding confidentiality and the initiation of an official investigation.

The two primary reporting options are Restricted Reporting and Unrestricted Reporting. Making an official report within the SAPR system generally involves documenting the victim’s preference on a DD Form 2910, Victim Reporting Preference Statement (or DD Form 2910-8 for certain civilians), typically completed with a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or a SAPR Victim Advocate (VA).

Simply disclosing an incident to a friend, family member, or most colleagues does not constitute an official SAPR report.

Restricted Reporting

Definition: Restricted Reporting allows eligible adult victims to confidentially disclose a sexual assault to specific individuals and receive supportive care without automatically triggering an official investigation or notifying their command or law enforcement authorities.

Who Can Receive an Official Restricted Report: This option requires reporting through specific channels. Only the following individuals can officially accept a Restricted Report (which involves signing the DD Form 2910 with a SARC or VA):

• Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
• SAPR Victim Advocate (VA)
• Healthcare Personnel (medical or mental health providers, who must then contact the SARC/VA)

Important Note: Chaplains and Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC/VLC)/legal assistance attorneys offer confidential communication (privilege), but they cannot officially file a Restricted Report form (DD Form 2910). They can, however, facilitate contact with a SARC or VA with the victim’s consent.

Process and Confidentiality:

• The victim confidentially discloses the assault and elects Restricted Reporting by signing the DD Form 2910 with a SARC or VA.
• The SARC notifies the installation commander that “an assault” occurred, but provides no personally identifiable information (PII) about the victim or the alleged offender.
• Medical care, including the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE), can be provided, and evidence collected is stored anonymously.
• Communications between the victim and the SARC/VA regarding the assault are generally considered privileged under Military Rule of Evidence (MRE) 514, meaning they cannot be compelled to disclose the communication in most military justice proceedings.
• Federal law generally preempts state mandatory reporting laws when a Restricted Report is made to authorized personnel on a DoD installation.
• Confidentiality has limits, such as if disclosure is needed to prevent a serious, imminent threat to health or safety, if authorized by the victim in writing, or if required by court order after legal review.

Eligibility: Restricted Reporting is available to:

• Active Duty Service members
• Reserve and National Guard members (regardless of duty status at time of assault or if assault occurred prior to service)
• Adult military dependents (18+)
• DoD civilian employees reporting through their component’s SAPR program (using DD Form 2910-8)

It is generally not available to DoD contractors or dependents of civilians OCONUS. A victim remains eligible for Restricted Reporting even if they previously disclosed the assault to their command or if a third party reported it, unless the victim personally reported the incident to law enforcement (like Military Police or CID) or previously filed an Unrestricted Report for the same assault.

Available Services: Victims choosing Restricted Reporting have access to:

• Medical treatment (including the SAFE kit)
• Mental health counseling
• SAPR Victim Advocacy services from a SARC or SAPR VA
• Legal advice and consultation from a Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC/VLC)
• Chaplain support
• Option to participate in the Catch a Serial Offender (CATCH) Program

Benefits: The primary benefits are:

• Confidentiality
• Victim control over the release of personal information
• Control over the decision to initiate an investigation
• Access to essential medical and support services
• Time and space for healing and decision-making
• Preservation of forensic evidence via SAFE

Victims can change to Unrestricted Reporting at any time.

Limitations: Choosing Restricted Reporting means:

• An official investigation will not be initiated
• The alleged offender cannot be held accountable through the military justice system unless the report is later converted
• Safety measures like a Military Protective Order (MPO) or an Expedited Transfer are not available
• If the victim and offender are in the same unit or living space, contact may continue
• Critical evidence from the crime scene may be lost, potentially hindering a future investigation
• Victims must be cautious about discussing the assault with individuals who may be mandatory reporters (e.g., chain of command, friends who might report)

Recent policy changes allow Restricted Reporting even after disclosure to command if the victim hasn’t personally reported to law enforcement.

Unrestricted Reporting

Definition: Unrestricted Reporting is the option for victims to report a sexual assault through official channels without requesting confidentiality regarding the report itself. This option triggers an official investigation and notification to command and law enforcement.

Who Can Receive an Unrestricted Report: This type of report can be made to a wider range of officials, including:

• SARC or SAPR VA
• Healthcare Personnel
• Chain of Command (Supervisors, Commanders)
• Law Enforcement (Military Police, CID, NCIS, OSI)
• Legal Personnel

Reporting to the chain of command or law enforcement automatically initiates the Unrestricted Reporting process.

Process and Confidentiality:

• The SARC/VA is notified, and the victim typically confirms their choice by signing the DD Form 2910.
• An official investigation is launched by the appropriate Military Criminal Investigative Organization (MCIO).
• The victim’s command is notified.
• While the report itself is not confidential in the same way as a Restricted Report, information about the incident is shared only with personnel who have an official “need to know” to perform their duties related to the investigation, victim care, command functions, or legal processes.
• An Unrestricted Report cannot be changed back to a Restricted Report.

Eligibility: Unrestricted Reporting is available to all populations eligible for SAPR/SHARP services, including Service Members, adult military dependents, DoD civilians, and eligible OCONUS contractors.

Available Services: Victims choosing Unrestricted Reporting have access to all services available under Restricted Reporting (Medical/SAFE, Mental Health Counseling, Victim Advocacy, Legal/SVC support, Chaplain support, CATCH program under certain conditions) PLUS:

• An official law enforcement investigation
• Command support and intervention
• Eligibility to request safety measures like a Military Protective Order (MPO) or Civilian Protective Order (CPO)
• Eligibility to request an Expedited Transfer or reassignment
• Ability to officially report retaliation related to the sexual assault report

Benefits:

• Enables an official investigation, which is necessary for potential military justice action against the offender
• Allows access to command support and safety measures like MPOs and Expedited Transfers

Limitations:

• Reduced confidentiality due to mandatory notifications to command and law enforcement
• The investigation process can be lengthy, potentially intrusive, and stressful for the victim
• There is no guarantee of a conviction
• The decision to report Unrestricted is final and cannot be changed to Restricted

Comparing Restricted vs. Unrestricted Reporting

The choice between Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting involves significant trade-offs between confidentiality and access to the military justice system and certain protective measures. The following table summarizes the key differences:

LE = Law Enforcement; PII = Personally Identifiable Information; SVC/VLC = Special Victims’ Counsel/Victims’ Legal Counsel; SAFE = Sexual Assault Forensic Exam; CATCH = Catch a Serial Offender Program; SMs = Service Members; Deps = Dependents.

Service Branch SAPR/SHARP Resources

While DoD SAPRO sets the overall policy, each military service branch implements the program and provides specific points of contact and resources tailored to their personnel. Remember the “No Wrong Door” approach: if you need help, reaching out to any official SAPR/SHARP resource, even from a different branch, should get you connected to the right support.

Army (SHARP) Resources

Program Name: Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP)

Primary Website: Army Resilience Directorate – SHARP

Key Contacts/Hotlines: Contact your installation’s SHARP office for local SARC/VA support. Examples of 24/7 installation hotlines include:

• Fort Novosel: 334-470-6629
• Fort Belvoir: 703-740-7029
• USAG Japan: 090-9395-8909
• USAG-Miami/SOUTHCOM: 305-753-5923

Army Reserve personnel can contact their Readiness Division Helpline:

• 63rd RD: 719-516-7422
• 81st RD: 205-482-8735
• 88th RD: 502-898-5000
• 99th RD: 609-410-7670

Always utilize the DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 or SafeHelpline.org

Unique Resources: The Army SHARP Academy at Fort Leavenworth is the proponent for SHARP training and education. The Army utilizes the “I. A.M. Strong” (Intervene, Act, Motivate) campaign focused on bystander intervention. Specific Army checklists and resources for commanders and victims are available.

Navy (SAPR) Resources

Program Name: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)

Primary Website: MyNavy HR – Support Services – Culture Resilience – Sexual Assault

Key Contacts/Hotlines: Contact your installation SARC or SAPR VA. The OPNAV SAPR program office can be reached via email at [email protected]. Military Sealift Command (MSC) has specific contacts. Utilize the DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 or SafeHelpline.org

Unique Resources: Governed by OPNAVINST 1752.1C. Navy Common Military Training (CMT) materials for annual SAPR training are available via MyNavyPortal (CAC required). Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) handles investigations.

Marine Corps (SAPR) Resources

Program Name: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)

Primary Website: SAPR resources are often found on installation-specific websites. Examples include:

• Headquarters Marine Corps (Henderson Hall)
• III Marine Expeditionary Force
• Marine Corps Systems Command

Users should search for the SAPR page of their specific base or command.

Key Contacts/Hotlines: Contact your installation SARC or Uniformed Victim Advocate (UVA). Examples of 24/7 hotlines:

• Henderson Hall: 703-217-9940
• Camp Butler (Okinawa): 098-970-HOPE (4673)
• MCSC: 703-432-9999
• MCAS Cherry Point: 252-665-4713

Utilize the DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 or SafeHelpline.org

Unique Resources: Governed by Marine Corps Order (MCO) 1752.5 series. Utilizes Uniformed Victim Advocates (UVAs). The Marine Corps has a dedicated Victims’ Legal Counsel Organization (VLCO). Specific training scenarios and approaches are used.

Air Force and Space Force (SAPR) Resources

Program Name: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR). Note: Space Force SAPR is currently integrated within the Department of the Air Force (DAF) structure.

Primary Websites:

• Air Force Resilience – SAPR
• Official Air Force SAPR page
• Space Force resources are often on specific base pages, e.g., Peterson/Schriever SFB SAPR
• The main Space Force website is spaceforce.mil

Key Contacts/Hotlines: Contact your installation SARC or SAPR VA (often shared between co-located Air Force and Space Force units). Examples:

• Peterson SFB: 719-556-7272 / Schriever SFB: 719-567-7272
• JBSA: 210-808-7272
• AFGSC bases have specific hotlines listed

Utilize the DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 or SafeHelpline.org

Unique Resources: Governed by Department of the Air Force Instructions (e.g., DAFPD 90-60, DAFI 90-6001). Specific eligibility rules apply to Air Force civilian employees. The Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) program originated in the Air Force. Space Force SAPR policies are still developing under the DAF framework.

The integration of Space Force SAPR resources within the existing Air Force structure is a practical consequence of the service’s recent establishment. Guardians and those seeking USSF-specific information may need to consult resources at their assigned Space Force Base, which will likely operate under DAF SAPR guidelines and utilize shared personnel like SARCs and VAs.

Coast Guard (SAPRR) Resources

Program Name: Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, & Recovery (SAPRR). Note the inclusion of “Recovery.”

Primary Website: U.S. Coast Guard SAPRR Program

Key Contacts/Hotlines: Use the “SAPRR Contacts” link on the main page. Utilize the DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 or SafeHelpline.org. Specific text options for resource finding: Text location/resource need to 55-247 (CONUS) or 571-470-5546 (OCONUS).

Unique Resources: Governed by COMDINST 1754.10F. Includes specific eligibility details for CG personnel, PHS officers detailed to CG, DoD members assigned to CG, adult dependents, former recruits/cadets. Although part of DHS, the Coast Guard program aligns closely with DoD SAPR policies and utilizes resources like the Safe Helpline.

National Guard (SAPR) Resources

Program Name: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR)

Primary Website: National Guard Bureau SAPR. State-specific National Guard websites also host SAPR information (e.g., Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Florida).

Key Contacts/Hotlines: Contact the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) at your State/Territory Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ). Utilize the DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 or SafeHelpline.org

Unique Resources: Eligibility and available services can depend significantly on the member’s duty status (Title 10 federal active duty vs. Title 32 state status) at the time of the assault or reporting, and whether the assault occurred prior to service. Coordination often occurs between National Guard and Active Component SAPR resources. Specific training considerations apply.

Comprehensive Support for Survivors

SAPR and SHARP programs offer a network of interconnected support services designed to address the multifaceted needs of survivors. Access to many of these services is available regardless of whether a victim chooses Restricted or Unrestricted Reporting.

Medical Care and the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE)

Immediate medical attention is a priority for any victim of sexual assault. Care is available regardless of reporting choice and addresses potential physical injuries, the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy, and acute psychological distress.

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