Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
New Orleans: Office: 504-253-4709
Safe Help Line: 877-995-5247
The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) is responsible for offering information, referral and support to members and their dependents who have been impacted by sexual assault. The ultimate purpose of this program is to eliminate sexual assault within the Coast Guard by creating a culture of prevention, education and training, response capability, victim support, reporting procedures, and accountability that enhances the safety and well-being of all its members.
Sexual Assault Reporting Options
Restricted Reporting: The Restricted Reporting option may be used by a service member or civilian spouse sexually assaulted by their active duty service member spouse to disclose to specific individuals on a confidential basis that he or she is the victim of a sexual assault. If the assault has been disclosed to ONLY a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), military Victim Advocate (VA), or military Health Care Provider (HCP), it shall NOT be reported to the chain of command or law enforcement, unless the victim consents or an established exception is exercised under COMDTINST M1754.10 (series). Local emergency rooms are not military health care providers and will comply with local state reporting requirements.
Unrestricted Reporting: The Unrestricted Reporting option may be used by the service member to disclose to his or her chain of command that he or she is the victim of a sexual assault. “Service member” is defined as Coast Guard active duty members and Coast Guard reserve members on active duty or in a drill status, unless otherwise noted. Under the Unrestricted Reporting option, the victim’s report to command authorities or to a SARC, VA, HCP, or anyone else, shall be reported to CGIS.
Confiding in another: A Coast Guard member can now confide with another Coast Guard member without triggering an Unrestricted Report immediately as long as the other person they are confiding in is not a member of their Chain of Command. Chain of Command would include Command Cadre or Department Heads at larger commands.
Victim Advocate (VA): A trained advocate for the victim; a person who can provide emotional support to the victim during interviews, medical procedures, and legal proceedings. The VA may be present, but is not to participate (e.g., prompting the victim) during the interview process. In coordination with the EAPC/SARC, the VA may provide liaison assistance with other organizations/agencies on victim care matters. VAs report directly to the SARC when performing VA duties. Under certain conditions, VAs may be required to testify at a judicial proceeding but do not maintain any type of records or files.
RESOURCES