Author: Evan Padron

Frequently Asked Questions

Under restricted reporting, can Service Members change their mind about not reporting to the authorities?
YES. Restricted reports may be changed to an unrestricted report. The goal of the restricted report option is to give the survivor control over the release of information about the incident. When the survivor is ready, he or she can then have an investigation initiated.
Is confidentiality absolute?
NO. In those instances where you or another person is in imminent danger, confidentiality is deemed waived. There are several other exceptions to confidentiality which your SARC or VA will explain in more detail.
Service Member was drinking, and underage, will he/she get in trouble?
Commanders are encouraged to delay any disciplinary action on a collateral offense until after disposition of the sexual assault case. Your safety and well being is the priority at that time. Your behavior can be addressed later.
Is what happened to me really rape?
Sex without your consent is a crime even if it was someone you know, even if it was your spouse. It’s a still a crime if you were too afraid to fight back. It’s still a crime if you were too intoxicated to resist or if you were passed out. It’s still a crime if you’re both the same sex. And it’s still not your fault.

Help is Available

Contact the SARC or VA for your Command
UNIT/COMMAND: ______________________
SARC:________________________________
VA:___________________________________

Our Mission:
The TMD SAPR/SHARP Office is committed to eliminating incidents of sexual assault by instituting a comprehensive policy that focuses on increasing awareness through prevention and education, victim-centered support, intimidation free reporting, thorough investigation and accountability for those who commit sexual assault crimes.
We assist units by placing proper personnel in position to act as a Victim Advocates/Sexual Assault Response Coordinators. We coordinate trainings for newly appointed and veteran VAs/SARCs, and ensure units are conducting their annual mandatory training. We give VAs/SARCs all the tools they need to complete successful training and to respond to reports of sexual assault.

For more information, please visit us on the TMD Portal at:
https://portal.tx.ng.mil/arg/arg001/SHARP/SitePages/Home.aspx

If you need to report a sexual assault or have questions regarding the SAPR/SHARP process, please call:
TMD Sexual Assault Support Line:
512.565.4410

Contact Us:
JFHQ SARC: Ms. Amy Allen
Office: 512.782.5593
E: amy.k.allen17.civ@mail.mil
JFHQ VAC: Ms. Heather Johanning
Office: 512.782.5661
E: heather.m.johanning.civ@mail.mil
JFHQ VAC: Ms. Yulanda Jackson
Office: 512.782.4345
E: yulanda.k.jackson.civ@mail.mil

Texas Military Department
Sexual Assault
Prevention & Response

Our Goals:
Establish sexual assault training and awareness programs to educate Soldiers and Airmen.
Ensure that leaders understand their roles and responsibilities regarding the care and treatment of sexual assault survivors.
Create a climate that encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault through the proper chain of command.

Options for Survivors:
National Guard Service Members who are survivors of sexual assault are encouraged to seek the support and care they deserve by exercising their right to make a report.

SEXUAL ASSAULT DEFINED: Sexual assault is a crime defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault (unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commit these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender, spousal relationship, or age of victim. “Consent” will not be deemed or construed to mean failure by the victim to offer physical resistance. Consent is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, or coercion, or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious.

Meet Patsy:
Patsy is a trained facility dog (also known as a Therapy Dog). She was trained by Paws for Purple Hearts and placed with Ms. Heather Johanning as her primary handler on February 14th, 2018. She knows over 500 commands and is a natural at her job. Patsy would love to meet you and is an amazing listener. You can find her in the office Monday through Thursdays from 0700 to 1700. She hopes you will stop by building 34 room 112 and say hello.

Unit Staffing Requirements &
Annual Training Resources

REQUIREMENTS:
1 SARC per Brigade (Wing)/ 1 VA per Brigade
2 Victim Advocates per BN (Wing)
TRAINING:
For questions, contact the SHARP team at:
ng.tx.txarng.list.txmf-sapr-sharp@mail.mil
RESOURCES:
www.sapr.mil/
www.safehelpline.org

If you need to report a sexual assault,
or have questions regarding the
SAPR/SHARP process,
PLEASE CALL:
512.565.4410
For TMD Counseling Services:
512.782.5069

Options for Survivors:
National Guard Service Members who are victims of sexual assault are encouraged to seek the support and care they deserve by exercising their right to make a report. Reporting options for victims are as follows:
RESTRICTED REPORTING: In an active status, restricted reporting allows a service member who is a sexual assault victim to disclose the details of his/her assault to specifically identified individuals and receive medical treatment and counseling, without triggering the official investigative process.
Service members in active status who are sexually assaulted and desire restricted reporting under this policy should report the assault to a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate (VA), chaplain, or a healthcare provider.

UNRESTRICTED REPORTING: This option is recommended for victims of sexual assault who desire medical treatment, counseling, and an official investigation. When selecting unrestricted reporting, you should use current reporting channels, e.g. Chain of command, your VA, law enforcement, or have the healthcare providers contact law enforcement. At the victim’s discretion/request, the healthcare providers shall conduct a sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE). Details regarding the incident will be limited to only those personnel who have a legitimate need to know.