Sexual Assault Prevention, 
Response, & Recovery (SAPRR) Program

CG-1K4

Information for Leadership

Preventing and responding to sexual assault is a leadership priority. Leaders must maintain a healthy command climate that promotes dignity and respect for all members of the community, fosters diversity and inclusion, and affirms the contributions of all personnel.

The following is a list of helpful tools and resources to aid leaders in their role within the SAPRR program. Always remember: WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL YOUR SARC!

Update Summary - SAPRR Program, COMDINST 1754.10F 


TOPLINE MESSAGE: The Coast Guard updated its Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery (SAPRR) policy to promote ongoing efforts to combat sexual violence and support victims of sexual assault. Signed on 13 April 2023, the new policy presents a comprehensive and evidence-based guide for SAPRR personnel, stakeholders, and the Coast Guard community.

CHANGE SUMMARY POINTS:

  • Former Coast Guard members and current Coast Guard civilian employees are now eligible for SAPRR services. (p. 3)
  • CG-114 is now responsible for designating the hiring authority for all SAPRR positions across the enterprise. (p. 1-2)
  • This summer, the Coast Guard will create the Office of the Chief Prosecutor (OCP) led by a Rear Admiral Lower Half. The OCP will be designated as the lead Special Trial Counsel (STC) and oversee eight STCs and ten Trial Counsel. The OCP model is    expected to improve standardization across legal and investigative offices by streamlining processes and increasing effective    investigation and prosecution of covered offenses, to include collateral misconduct by victims and bystanders. (p. 1-5)
  • The Servicing Legal Office (SLO) provides legal advice to SAPRR personnel if there are any legal or ethical issues. (p. 1-7)
  • Afloat commands must have a written plan for getting victims a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) during deployment, whether the victim elects to make a report of sexual assault or not. (p. 1-8)
  • Civilian SAPRR personnel can no longer be assigned collateral duties outside of SAPRR. (p. 1-13)
  • Reduces Volunteer Victim Advocate (VVA) staffing requirements. National security cutters, polar security cutters, and the cutter Eagle are required to have two VVAs aboard. All other major cutters are required to have at least one VVA. Units with more than 20 persons assigned in a Tricare Prime Remote Area are also required to have one VVA. (p. 2-2)
  • Only Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs), Victim Advocates (VAs), or medical officers can take a Restricted or
  • Unrestricted report of sexual assault (former policy permitted any healthcare personnel to take a report of sexual assault). (p. 4-2)
  • Unit commanders must notify the SAPRR Oversight & Policy Office (CG-114) of certain high-visibility cases. (p. 4-4)
  • Codifies “Confiding in Another” and “Connect to Care” policies previously announced via ALCOAST. (p. 4-5)
  • Removes requirement to hold Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) meetings for civilian victims (may be held as needed). (p. 5-6)
  • Codifies unrated time and convalescent leave as recovery tools for active-duty victims. (p. 7-2)
  • Sexual assault victims may continue to receive Special Duty Pay connected with their assignment even if they temporarily stop performing those duties due to the assault, if certain conditions are met. (p. 7-2)
  • First Responders (SAPRR personnel, Chaplains, Coast Guard Investigative Service agents, medical officers, Special Victims’ Counsel) must complete mandatory, annual SAPRR First Responder training. (p. 8-2)
  • Headquarters Inspection Program run by CG-114 will replace current HSWL SC QAI process. (p. 9-1)

QUESTIONS: SAPRR Oversight & Policy Office (CG-1K4)  §  SAPRR-Guidance@uscg.mil