SAPR Victim Advocates (VA’s) provide essential support, liaison services and care to sexual assault survivors. VA’s are military personnel and DoD civilian employees selected by the SARC and who have completed a 40-hour training course, background check, letters of recommendation from leadership and possess accreditation from the Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP). VA’s are volunteers who must possess the maturity and experience to assist in very sensitive situations.
Primary responsibilities include providing crisis intervention, referral and ongoing non-clinical support. VAs also provide information on available options and resources to assist in making informed decisions about the case. VAs may accompany the victim, at the victim’s request, during investigative interviews and medical examinations. Services will continue until the victim states support is no longer needed.