Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
Sexual Assault Prevention, Recovery, and Response Program
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
Jennifer Parrish
206-217-6675
Jennifer.M.Parrish@uscg.mil
The ultimate purpose of this program is to eliminate sexual assault within the Coast Guard by providing 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 eligible civilian family member over 18 years of age. This option allows the individual to disclose on a confidential basis that they are the victim of a sexual assault. If the assault has been disclosed to ONLY a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate Program Specialist (VAPS), military Victim Advocate (VA), or military Health Care Provider (HCP), 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.
If the sexual assault is disclosed to a military confidant (trusted person) not in the victim's direct chain of command, the confidant is not required to report the sexual assault. These communications, however, are not privileged or confidential and cannot be considered a Restricted Report. The confidant should refer the victim to a SARC or VA to discuss reporting options and available services. [This was formerly titled the Confiding in Another policy.] (COMDTINST 1752.10 series)
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.
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.