Sexual Assault: "Sexual assault" is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. The term includes a broad category of sexual offenses consisting of the following specific UCMJ offenses: rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit any of these acts. - (DoDI 6495.01)

Consent: “Consent” is defined as freely given agreement to the sexual conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the sexual conduct at issue shall not constitute consent. There is no consent where the person is sleeping or incapacitated, such as due to age, alcohol or drugs, or mental incapacity. A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent.  - (DoDI 6495.01)

If you or someone you know was sexually assaulted reporting options and process may be found here.

The Maine National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program reinforces the National Guard’s commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through awareness and prevention training, education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and accountability. The National Guard promotes sensitive care and confidential reporting for victims of sexual assault and accountability for those who commit these crimes.

Sexual assault is a crime. It falls well short of the standards our country expects of its service members and the Maine National Guard expects of its Soldiers and Airmen. Specifically, it violates both Army and Air Force Core Values. Our core values are the foundation of our culture -- a culture in which we look out for each other and take care of each other. Incidents of sexual assault corrode the very fabric of our culture; therefore, we must strive for an environment where this type of behavior is not tolerated and where all human beings are respected.

SARC & SAPR SUPPORT TEAM OVERVIEW

The MAINE NATIONAL GUARD PRINCIPAL SARC is responsible for oversight and management of the Maine National Guard SAPR Program.  However, the JFHQ SARC and Wing SARC each serve as single points of contact for the Maine Army National Guard and Maine Air National Guard respectively, to oversee sexual assault awareness, prevention and response training; coordinate victim services including medical treatment; track the services provided to a victim from the initial report through final disposition and resolution, and ensure accurate data reporting and collection.

SAPR VAs and VVAs report directly to the JFHQ SARC and Wing SARC respectively and provide valuable support to victims/survivors of sexual assault, guiding them through the reporting process, and providing resources to help them recover and resolve their case against the reported offender. They can be relied on for:

- Crisis Intervention
- Information on medical and counseling services
- Referrals to health and wellness providers
- Ongoing non-clinical support
- Policy/Process Guidance
- Victim/survivor support through investigations and court proceedings
- Assistance completing the DD Form 2910, Victim Preference Statement, and other Reporting Options for which the victim is eligible
- Help for as long as the victim/survivor requires it

Chaplain: Military spiritual leaders are available to provide privileged and un-breeched  confidential communication. In the course of privileged communication with a chaplain, a victim/survivor may choose to disclose a sexual assault. The disclosure will remain confidential, however, the chaplain can help facilitate contact with a SARC, SAPR VA, or VVA to file an official Restricted or Unrestricted Report of sexual assault.

Healthcare Personnel: Healthcare personnel will provide confidential communication with victims/survivors, and will report incidents of sexual assault to the SARC under the Restricted Reporting designation. If the victim/survivor wants to file a restricted or unrestricted report, they must speak with the SARC, SAPR VA, or VVA.