TS Nelson Publications, Consultation and Trainings
TS Nelson Publications
P.O. Box 136
Oxford, OH 45056
ph: (513) 523-0197, ext 4
tsnelson
A Guide for Military Victims
This comprehensive booklet for victims of sexual assault in the military addresses:
- The recovery process and concerns after a sexual assault
- Up-to-date information on the DoD SAPR policies and resources
- New reporting options, including exceptions to confidentiality
- Common medical concerns and the evidence collection exam
- The military justice process, protective orders and victim's rights
- Plus, information on the civilian criminal justice system and other resources available for military victims.
We are confident you will find this booklet to be one of the BEST resources currently available for military victims because it was developed specifically with military sexual assault survivors in mind by a national consultant, author and Department of Defense Subject Matter Expert on sexual assault. Moreover, these booklets include the most recent information available on DoD’s SAPR Policies---a must-have for all sexual assault victims in the military and for the professionals who work with military sexual trauma victims.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This booklet will be updated annually to reflect any changes in policies, general information and resources to ensure the information is the most up-to-date at the time of publication. Also, updates will be posted on the website which can be printed and included with your booklets. The updated version of our booklet (for sale now) includes the most recent changes to the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) on sexual offenses.
If you have comments, recommendations for change, suggestions for improvement or notice any factual errors, please contact TS Nelson directly. We appreciate your assistance in making this booklet a valuable resource for sexual assault victims and military and civilian service providers. Thank you!
Table of Contents
Part One: Information about sexual assault,
your recovery, medical concerns and reporting options
Some important things you should know
DoD definitions of sexual assault and sexual harassment
Sex offenses under the Manual for Courts-Martial
Examples of sexual assault
Examples of different types of force
If it happened recently
Some common reactions and changes in yourself
The impact on relationships with family and friends
Deciding what to do and who to tell
Your options after a sexual assault
Additional information about military reporting options:
Restricted reporting
Unrestricted reporting
Victim Preference Reporting Statement
Other military-specific concerns for victims
Concerns about reporting
Confidentiality policy
Collateral misconduct
Protective orders
Forward deployed environments
Common medical questions and concerns
General medical information
Pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
Alcohol and other drugs in sexual assault
"Date-rape drugs"
Reporting what happened to law enforcement
The police interview and evidence collection
If you are asked about polygraph and voice stress tests
If you go: Understanding the criminal justice process
Overview of the military court-martial process
Overview of the civilian criminal court process
Testifying in court
Victims’ rights—your rights
Victim impact statements
If it has been awhile since the sexual assault
Some common reactions and changes in yourself
Helping family and friends to understand better
Important warning signs
Indicators of an unhealthy relationship
Other warning signs to tell someone
Part Two:
Where to go for help, more information and support
Military Resources
Victim and Witness Assistance Program
DoD Sexual Assault and Prevention Response Program
DoD Policies on Sexual Assault
State Reporting Laws from DoD SAPR Website
Additional Military Resources
National and State Civilian Resources
National Resources
State Sexual Assault Coalitions
Crime Victims Compensation Programs
Books on the topic
Definitions of Related Terms
Sexual assault is NEVER the victim’s fault--nor is the victim ever to blame for what happened.
Booklet Excerpts
This resource is intended for victims of sexual assault in the military--women and men whose lives have been affected by sexual assault. It was developed to provide victims with information about the recovery process, medical concerns, reporting options as well as information about the Department of Defense policies and resources on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR).
This resource can be useful if you were recently assaulted or if it was a long time ago...
Everyone deserves support after a sexual assault.
You do not have to deal with this alone. There are many
resources and people who want to help...
You might want to contact the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) at your installation, or a civilian rape crisis program in your area if you need more information or support. Remember, there are many people who can help you and answer your questions...
Survivors of sexual assault should be treated with respect when trying to get help. You have the right to be informed about your choices in
medical care, the military and civilian justice systems, your legal rights, and counseling options. With this information, you will be able to make the decisions that are best for you. Remember, as a victim of crime, you are entitled to specific rights under federal law which are addressed in detail later in this booklet.
Military victims have the option to seek confidential
support from a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate, Healthcare Provider or Chaplain...The choice is yours.
You did not cause this to happen by anything you did or said.
“Even though there may be times when you think you are alone in this, remember, you are not alone... Even though there may be times when you will wonder if you will ever move beyond this, remember that you will survive and thrive and go on with your life.” from a Vet, but no longer a victim
TS Nelson Publications
P.O. Box 136
Oxford, OH 45056
ph: (513) 523-0197, ext 4
tsnelson
