Family Program Office
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Sexual Assault is a Readiness issue
Our mission not only involves national defense, but the defense and safety of the Americans who voluntarily risk their lives for our country.
Sexual assault can destroy unit cohesion and is inconsistent with military good order, discipline, and
conduct.
The impact that sexual assault has on a victim can be devastating and, without treatment, can have a lasting negative effect on a person’s health and resilience.
Sexual Assault Prevention is everyone’s duty
Every service member, starting with senior leadership, must understand the importance of safely intervening and preventing the crime of sexual assault
This research-based prevention strategy is designed to empower service members to act. Training will be given on how to safely intervene in situations where sexual assault may occur
Commanders and senior enlisted leadership must set the tone in their units that sexual assault WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
The Maine National Guard is committed to eliminating sexual assault!
Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. Sexual predators are just that: predators. They look for weaknesses, either innate (young age, inexperience, prior history of abuse, low credibility, etc) or temporary (intoxication, emotional distress, isolation, new to area or unit, etc) and exploit and/or exacerbate the situation. Use the model to mitigate risk. Call the SARC at 430-5824 or blackberry 620-6335 for more information or to make a report Wing SARC is 990-7604 or 990-7741.
Sexual Assault is never the victim’s fault!
- Approach sexual assault as every Soldier’s and Airman’s issue
- Use the Buddy / Wingman system - learn how to intervene
- Practice responsible use of alcohol
Alcohol is a factor in over 50% of sexual assaults
Never leave a drink unattended and drink responsibly
- Always have a plan for getting home if you are not driving yourself
- Make sure you have money for a taxi
- Do not go home with or take home anyone that you don’t know well
- Communicate your limitations early and clearly to anyone you may be going out with.
- If someone does go beyond what you are comfortable with say, “No!” loudly, and without hesitation.
- Challenge verbal, physical and sexual inappropriateness that can contribute to a climate that allows for sexual assault
- Ask the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) for help
What to do if you are Sexually Assaulted?
- Get to a Safe Place!
- CALL 9-1-1
- Call a friend and or family member that can help.
- Get Medical Assistance! Many communities have local victim’s advocates that can walk you through the process as it happens.
- For best evidence collection DO NOT bathe, change your clothes, brush your teeth, eat or drink anything until after trained medical personnel have examined you and collected evidence.
- Report the assault to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC),Victim Advocate (VA), or Chaplain for assistance.
- It is NEVER your fault.
- Give yourself time to heal.
Call the SARC for more information or to make a report.
RESOURCES:
ME JFHQ SARC: (207) 620-6335
Wing SARC: 990-7604 or 990-7741
Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Male Survivor Resource: www.malesurvivor.org
Military One Source: 1-800-342-9647
National Domestic Violence Hotline : 1-800-799-7233
Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 www.SafeHelpline.org
