Sexual Assault Prevention and Response: SARC Responsibilities

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Sexual Assault Prevention and Response SARC
Responsibilities
United States Marine Corps Sexual Assault
Prevention Response (MRRS)
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SARC Responsibilities

• Program responsibility
• Command responsibility
• Case management responsibility
• Victim advocate responsibility

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SARC Duties

• Tracks/coordinates services through case
  management and data collection on all sexual
  assault cases
• Oversees assignment, utilization and compliance
  of victim advocates
• Chairs the case management review group
• Maintains required program documentation
• Oversees completion of the SAIRD

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SARC Duties

• Informs commander of sexual assault w/in 24 hours
  
• Restricted Reports
• Unrestricted Reports
• Assists commanders with SAPR training
  requirements
• Promotes the SAPR program
• Completes service-specific UVA and SARC training
  prior to filling the position

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Program Responsibility

• Areas of SARC responsibility include
• Support command execution of mandated program

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Program Support and Advocacy

• Build liaisons with military and civilian
  response groups, particularly
• Law enforcement
• Medical facilities
• Civilian resources
• Rape crisis services

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Commands Role in Prevention

• Establish a command climate based on mutual
  respect, trust, and diversity that values all of
  its members
• Eliminate sexually demeaning story-telling,
  joking or bantering
• Reassure members of personal commitment to
  healthy and safe environment for well-being and
  mission accomplishment
• Reiterate zero tolerance policy
• Know the organizations climate and respond
  immediately toward negative issues

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Liaison with FAPM for VAs

• The SARC will
• Provide oversight re VAs duties for the SAPR
  program
• Supervise the civilian advocates upon case
  assignment
• Ensure a continuity of care for the victims via
  case management
• Monitor the advocates activities as it relates
  to sexual assault victims

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Liaison with FAPM for VAs

• The VAs will
• Participate in monthly case management review
  team meetings when they have open cases
• Report to FAPM for supervision and other duties
  as assigned

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Coordinating with Civilian Resources

• Civilian jurisdiction may apply off-base unless
  there is an MOU in which civilian authorities
  defer to the military
• Be aware of arrangements between
  law enforcement authorities in your area
• If the civilian criminal justice system has
  jurisdiction, utilize civilian resources

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Summary

• The SARC is a key resource in executing an
  effective command SAPR program.
• The SARC has an important role in assisting
  commanders in liaison with resources available
  through the Family Advocacy Program.
• Cooperative working relationships with military
  and civilian responders is imperative

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Command Responsibility

• Areas of SARC responsibility include
• Support the command and the commander
• Represent the commander
• Advise the commander on selection of UVAs and
  proper execution of their roles as advocates

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Commands Role Regarding Program

• Appoint SARC/UVA with sufficient seniority
• SARC
• UVA
• Utilize Commanders Checklist
• Enforce restricted and unrestricted reporting
  policies
• Publish policies and enforce them
• Report all known actual, suspected or alleged
  sexual assaults to PMO

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Commands Role Regarding Program

• Ensure safety and well-being of all under command
• Coordinate case management with supporting
  agencies (SART) and SARC
• Oversight
• Hold offenders accountable following a thorough
  investigation

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Commands Role Regarding Program

• Important note The Special Courts-Martial
  Convening Authority (SPCMCA) shall be the lowest
  level commander to determine the final
  disposition of any sexual assault allegation.

MCO 1752.5A MARADMIN 490/05
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Commands Role Regarding Victim

• Ensure victim safety and emotional security
• Determine desire/need for medical attention
• Encourage preservation of evidence
• Protect victims privacy by limiting access to
  case information

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Commands Role Regarding Victim

• Ensure victim receives support from victim
  advocate, chaplain or other support person
• Determine if there is need for MPO
• Determine need for temporary reassignment to
  another unit, duty location, or living quarters

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Collateral Misconduct

• Commanding officers may defer disciplinary
  actions regarding collateral misconduct of the
  victim until after final disposition of the
  assault
• (White Letter 03-05, MCO 1752.5A and DODI
  6495.02)

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Commands Role Regarding Accused

• Follow Commanders Protocol for Responding to
  Allegations of Sexual Assault
• Notify PMO/NCIS
• Safeguard the accuseds rights
• Ensure counseling referrals as indicated
• Determine need for MPO

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Liaison with Command for UVAs

• The SARC will
• Oversee UVAs duties for SAPR Program
• Ensure a continuity of care for the victims via
  case management
• Monitor the advocates activities regarding
  sexual assault cases
• Provide information on screening and selection of
  UVAs to the Command

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Liaison with Command for UVAs

• UVAs will
• Participate in monthly case management review
  team meetings when they have active cases
• Report to their command for other duties as
  assigned

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UVA Screen Out Factors

• Recent victims of sexual assault
• Sexual assault offenders
• Individuals with rigid biases
• Boundary issues
• Limited availability

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Summary

• The commanders role encompasses the health,
  safety well-being of all members.
• The commander must balance victim rights,
  offenders rights, and the needs of military
  justice against capabilities and impact on
  mission requirements.
• The commanders best tool for ensuring compliance
  is the Commanders Protocol for Responding to
  Allegations of Sexual Assault (Commanders
  Checklist).

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Case Management Responsibility

• Areas of SARC responsibility include
• Support command discharge of responsibilities
• Serve as chairperson of case management review
  group meetings
• Seek to improve systems response to victims
• Oversee effectiveness of VAs and UVAs

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Case Management

• SARC Case Management Review Group
• Case review members will
• SARCs role in case management
• Challenges or potential obstacles
• Continuity of care

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Continuity of Care Considerations

• In the event of the advocate leaving
• Departure of an advocate may be difficult news
  for the victim
• If the victim is being transferred

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Case Management Review Group

• Composition of the group
• Primary tasks of the group
• Documentation
• Meeting agendas
• Meeting minutes
• Monthly updates to commanders

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Summary of Case Management

• The Case Management Review Group is a vital
  asset to enhance service delivery for victims
  and monitor program effectiveness.
• The SARC leads the Case Management Review Group
  with effective, well planned meetings and a
  genuine appreciation for feedback and
  participation.

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Victim Advocate Responsibility

• Areas of SARC responsibility include
• Support command execution of mandated program
• Coordinate with first responders to improve
  systems response to victims
• Oversee VAs and UVAs in their roles as advocates

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The SARCs Role with Advocates

• Support and assist advocates in their roles
• Oversee quality assurance for SAPR program
• Ensure continuity of care for victims
• Facilitate case management review

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Disciplinary Issues and Options

• As the SARC, you do not have authority to
  implement disciplinary actions
• Make recommendations to supervisors and command
  when/if appropriate
• Notify SAPR of any UVA revocation
• Consult with SAPR Office staff if there is a
  major violation of SAPR or USMC policies by a UVA
  or VA acting as an advocate

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Summary

• SARCs role with advocates includes
• Assisting with selection and training
• Providing support and assistance
• Responding to disciplinary, ethical and boundary
  violations by advocates
• Overseeing advocates requires leadership and
  interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and
  proper documentation of the quality assurance
  program

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SAPR (MRRS) Staff

• Mr Ray Bruneau, Section Head, [phone]
• raymond.bruneau_at_usmc.mil
• Maj Doug Alexander, Trng Coord, [phone]
• douglas.alexander_at_usmc.mil
• Sgt Charlene McPherson, Data Coord, (703)
  432-9074
• charlene.mcpherson_at_usmc.mil
• Ms Parisa Fetherson, Advocate Spec, (703)
  432-9466
• parisa.fetherson_at_usmc.mil
• Ms Penny Parsons, Admin Assist, [phone]
• penny.parsons_at_usmc.mil

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QUESTIONS?