Below are several relevant definitions pertaining to various topics considered on this site. They are loosely grouped by similarity.
Unwanted Sexual Contact - Unwanted sexual contact (USC) refers to a range of activities prohibited by the UCMJ, including uninvited and unwelcome completed or attempted sexual intercourse, sodomy (oral or anal sex), penetration by an object, and the unwanted touching of genitalia and other sexually related areas of the body. (Source: 2018 SAGR Survey p.3)
Sexual Harassment - The DoD military sexual harassment policy was defined in 1995, and revised in 2015 in DoDD 1350.2 as: “A form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
Sexual Assault - DoDD 6495.01 defines sexual assault as any “intentional sexual contact characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority or when the survivor does not or cannot consent” (Department of Defense, 2015b). Under this definition, sexual assault includes rape, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit these acts. “Consent” shall not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the survivor to offer physical resistance. Consent is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, coersion, or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious.
Re-victimization - A pattern wherein the survivor of abuse or crime has a statistically higher tendency to be victimized again, either shortly thereafter or much later in adulthood in the case of abuse as a child. This latter pattern is particularly notable in cases of sexual abuse.
(DoDI 6495.02, March 28, 2013)
Secondary victimization - The re-traumatization of the sexual assault, abuse, or rape survivor. It is an indirect result of assault that occurs through the responses of individuals and institutions to the survivor. The types of secondary victimization include victim blaming, inappropriate behavior or language by medical personnel and by other organizations with access to the survivor post assault. (DoDI 6495.02, March 28, 2013)
Survivor abuse - ZASA defines survivor abuse as negative or unsupportive actions taken by those aware of the alleged USC. Abuse can take many forms: gossip, harassment, shaming, ostracism, threats of violence, acts of violence, name calling, stalking and professional reprisal, just to name a few. Besides the harm to the survivor who experiences it, the existence of this abuse can result in the fear of perceived or real consequences of reporting for future survivors.
Sex-Based Military Equal Opportunity Violations - These categories of behaviors include sexual harassment (i.e., sexually hostile work environment and sexual quid pro quo) and gender discrimination. (Source: 2018 SAGR Survey p.5)
Consent - Words or overt acts indicating a 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 accused’s use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating relationship 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. (Source: USAFA)
Prevalence - Prevalence is the estimated percent occurrence of sexual assault in a population over a specified period of time. (Source: Adapted from SAPRO Report Metrics Overview)
Restricted Reporting - Confidential reporting that allows a service member, cadet, adult dependent, or a defense civilian to report a sexual assault and seek support services such as mental health, victim advocacy, and legal representation. Office of Special Investigations (OSI) and chain of command will NOT be notified. Service Members, cadets, who desire Restricted Reporting must use one of the following reporting avenues Report to SARC, Victim Advocate, Chaplain, health care provider, AOC/AMT not in chain of command and/or any SAPR staff member. (Source: USAFA SAPR) More information on reporting is included on the Reporting facts page.
Unrestricted Reporting - Reporting option for service members, cadets, adult dependents, and defense civilians to report a sexual assault and seek accountability for the reported offender. An investigation will be initiated and “need to know” individuals in the chain of command will be notified. Respect for privacy remains a priority with this option, as well. When selecting Unrestricted Reporting, you should use current reporting channels, e.g.: Anyone who is a mandatory reporter. (Source: USAFA SAPR) More information on reporting is included on the Reporting facts page.
Independent Reporting - Information about a sexual assault is disclosed to command from an independent or third-party source. An official investigation may be initiated based upon an independent report. (Source: USAFA SAPR) More information on reporting is included on the Reporting facts page.
Volunteer Victim Advocate (VVA) - Military and DoD civilian employees who are selected, trained and credentialed to provide non-clinical crisis intervention, referral, and ongoing non-clinical support to adult sexual assault survivors. Support will include providing information on available options and resources to survivors. The VVA, on behalf of the sexual assault survivors, provides liaison assistance with other organizations and agencies on victim care matters and reports directly to the SARC when performing victim advocacy duties. (Source: AFI90-6001 21 May 2015 111 para 1.4.3)
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate (SAPR VA) - (a.k.a. Special Victim Advocate (SVA)) A person who, as a victim advocate, shall provide non-clinical crisis intervention, referral, and ongoing non-clinical support to adult sexual assault victims. Support will include providing information on available options and resources to victims. The SAPR VA, on behalf of the sexual assault victim, provides liaison assistance with other organizations and agencies on victim care matters and reports directly to the SARC when performing victim advocacy duties. (Source: USAFA)
Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) - Attorneys who are assigned to provide legal assistance to sexual assault victims through independent representation; builds and sustains victim resiliency; empowers victims; increases the level of legal assistance provided to victims. (Source: USAFA)
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) - The single point of contact at an installation or within a geographic area who oversees sexual assault awareness, prevention, and response training; coordinates medical treatment, including emergency care for sexual assault victims covered under this AFI; and tracks the services provided to a victim of sexual assault, covered under this AFI, from the initial report through final disposition and resolution. (Source: USAFA)
Victim and Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) - The program to mitigate the physical, psychological, and financial hardships suffered by victims and witnesses of offenses investigated by U.S. Air Force authorities; foster cooperation between survivors, witnesses, and the military justice system; and ensure best efforts are extended to protect the rights of survivors and witnesses. (Source: DoDI 6495.02)
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) - Responsible for oversight of the Department's sexual assault policy. SAPRO works hand-in-hand with the Services and the civilian community to develop and implement innovative prevention and response programs. (Source: SAPR Website)
Service Academy Gender Relations Survey (SAGR) - This is a biennial (every two years) voluntary survey that is a key source of information for evaluating these programs and for assessing the gender relations environment at the U.S. Military Academy (USMA), the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), and the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). It is currently conducted by the Health and Resilience (H&R) Division within the Office of People Analytics (OPA), is the ninth of a series of surveys mandated by Title 10, United States Code, Sections 4361, 6980, and 9361, as amended by Section 532 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2007. The survey results include the estimated prevalence rates of unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination; students’ perceptions of Academy culture with respect to sexual assault and sexual harassment; perceptions of program effectiveness in reducing or preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment; and the availability and effectiveness of sexual assault and sexual harassment training. (Source: 2018 SAGR Survey)
Fowler Commission - A seven-member congressionally mandated panel charged with investigating the United States Air Force Academy's sexual assault reports from 2003. The investigation took place over the course of three months with the goal of reviewing academy policies, revealing the crimes committed, and punishing the assailants. Several recommendations were made after the findings of the commission were published. The key recommendations were:
Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) - The foundation of military law in the United States. It was established by the United States Congress in accordance with the authority given by the United States Constitution in Article I, Section 8, which provides that "The Congress shall have Power....To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval forces". Sexual Assault is covered in the UCMJ under Articles 120 (Rape and Sexual Assault Generally), 125 (Sodomy) and Article 80 (Attempts). The term “unwanted sexual contact” does not appear in Articles 120, 125 or 80. For the purposes of the Service Academy Gender Relations Survey (SAGR) and the Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, it is used to refer to a range of sex-related offenses that the UCMJ prohibits. These offenses include completed or attempted oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by a body part or an object and the unwanted touching of genitalia, buttocks, breasts, or inner thighs when the victim did not or could not consent. The definition of unwanted sexual contact used in the SAGR is behaviorally based and not intended to designate specific UCMJ offenses or establish crime rates. (Source: Academic Program Year 2017-2018 Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies)
Unwanted Sexual Contact - Unwanted sexual contact (USC) refers to a range of activities prohibited by the UCMJ, including uninvited and unwelcome completed or attempted sexual intercourse, sodomy (oral or anal sex), penetration by an object, and the unwanted touching of genitalia and other sexually related areas of the body. (Source: 2018 SAGR Survey p.3)
Sexual Harassment - The DoD military sexual harassment policy was defined in 1995, and revised in 2015 in DoDD 1350.2 as: “A form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s job, pay, or career, or
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as a basis for career or employment decisions affecting that person, or
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
Sexual Assault - DoDD 6495.01 defines sexual assault as any “intentional sexual contact characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority or when the survivor does not or cannot consent” (Department of Defense, 2015b). Under this definition, sexual assault includes rape, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit these acts. “Consent” shall not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the survivor to offer physical resistance. Consent is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, coersion, or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious.
Re-victimization - A pattern wherein the survivor of abuse or crime has a statistically higher tendency to be victimized again, either shortly thereafter or much later in adulthood in the case of abuse as a child. This latter pattern is particularly notable in cases of sexual abuse.
(DoDI 6495.02, March 28, 2013)
Secondary victimization - The re-traumatization of the sexual assault, abuse, or rape survivor. It is an indirect result of assault that occurs through the responses of individuals and institutions to the survivor. The types of secondary victimization include victim blaming, inappropriate behavior or language by medical personnel and by other organizations with access to the survivor post assault. (DoDI 6495.02, March 28, 2013)
Survivor abuse - ZASA defines survivor abuse as negative or unsupportive actions taken by those aware of the alleged USC. Abuse can take many forms: gossip, harassment, shaming, ostracism, threats of violence, acts of violence, name calling, stalking and professional reprisal, just to name a few. Besides the harm to the survivor who experiences it, the existence of this abuse can result in the fear of perceived or real consequences of reporting for future survivors.
Sex-Based Military Equal Opportunity Violations - These categories of behaviors include sexual harassment (i.e., sexually hostile work environment and sexual quid pro quo) and gender discrimination. (Source: 2018 SAGR Survey p.5)
Consent - Words or overt acts indicating a 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 accused’s use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating relationship 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. (Source: USAFA)
Prevalence - Prevalence is the estimated percent occurrence of sexual assault in a population over a specified period of time. (Source: Adapted from SAPRO Report Metrics Overview)
Restricted Reporting - Confidential reporting that allows a service member, cadet, adult dependent, or a defense civilian to report a sexual assault and seek support services such as mental health, victim advocacy, and legal representation. Office of Special Investigations (OSI) and chain of command will NOT be notified. Service Members, cadets, who desire Restricted Reporting must use one of the following reporting avenues Report to SARC, Victim Advocate, Chaplain, health care provider, AOC/AMT not in chain of command and/or any SAPR staff member. (Source: USAFA SAPR) More information on reporting is included on the Reporting facts page.
Unrestricted Reporting - Reporting option for service members, cadets, adult dependents, and defense civilians to report a sexual assault and seek accountability for the reported offender. An investigation will be initiated and “need to know” individuals in the chain of command will be notified. Respect for privacy remains a priority with this option, as well. When selecting Unrestricted Reporting, you should use current reporting channels, e.g.: Anyone who is a mandatory reporter. (Source: USAFA SAPR) More information on reporting is included on the Reporting facts page.
Independent Reporting - Information about a sexual assault is disclosed to command from an independent or third-party source. An official investigation may be initiated based upon an independent report. (Source: USAFA SAPR) More information on reporting is included on the Reporting facts page.
Volunteer Victim Advocate (VVA) - Military and DoD civilian employees who are selected, trained and credentialed to provide non-clinical crisis intervention, referral, and ongoing non-clinical support to adult sexual assault survivors. Support will include providing information on available options and resources to survivors. The VVA, on behalf of the sexual assault survivors, provides liaison assistance with other organizations and agencies on victim care matters and reports directly to the SARC when performing victim advocacy duties. (Source: AFI90-6001 21 May 2015 111 para 1.4.3)
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate (SAPR VA) - (a.k.a. Special Victim Advocate (SVA)) A person who, as a victim advocate, shall provide non-clinical crisis intervention, referral, and ongoing non-clinical support to adult sexual assault victims. Support will include providing information on available options and resources to victims. The SAPR VA, on behalf of the sexual assault victim, provides liaison assistance with other organizations and agencies on victim care matters and reports directly to the SARC when performing victim advocacy duties. (Source: USAFA)
Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC) - Attorneys who are assigned to provide legal assistance to sexual assault victims through independent representation; builds and sustains victim resiliency; empowers victims; increases the level of legal assistance provided to victims. (Source: USAFA)
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) - The single point of contact at an installation or within a geographic area who oversees sexual assault awareness, prevention, and response training; coordinates medical treatment, including emergency care for sexual assault victims covered under this AFI; and tracks the services provided to a victim of sexual assault, covered under this AFI, from the initial report through final disposition and resolution. (Source: USAFA)
Victim and Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) - The program to mitigate the physical, psychological, and financial hardships suffered by victims and witnesses of offenses investigated by U.S. Air Force authorities; foster cooperation between survivors, witnesses, and the military justice system; and ensure best efforts are extended to protect the rights of survivors and witnesses. (Source: DoDI 6495.02)
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) - Responsible for oversight of the Department's sexual assault policy. SAPRO works hand-in-hand with the Services and the civilian community to develop and implement innovative prevention and response programs. (Source: SAPR Website)
Service Academy Gender Relations Survey (SAGR) - This is a biennial (every two years) voluntary survey that is a key source of information for evaluating these programs and for assessing the gender relations environment at the U.S. Military Academy (USMA), the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), and the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). It is currently conducted by the Health and Resilience (H&R) Division within the Office of People Analytics (OPA), is the ninth of a series of surveys mandated by Title 10, United States Code, Sections 4361, 6980, and 9361, as amended by Section 532 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2007. The survey results include the estimated prevalence rates of unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination; students’ perceptions of Academy culture with respect to sexual assault and sexual harassment; perceptions of program effectiveness in reducing or preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment; and the availability and effectiveness of sexual assault and sexual harassment training. (Source: 2018 SAGR Survey)
Fowler Commission - A seven-member congressionally mandated panel charged with investigating the United States Air Force Academy's sexual assault reports from 2003. The investigation took place over the course of three months with the goal of reviewing academy policies, revealing the crimes committed, and punishing the assailants. Several recommendations were made after the findings of the commission were published. The key recommendations were:
- USAF should provide greater continuity of leadership by changing the superintendent’s term of service from three years to four and that of the commandant from two years to three
- Air Force headquarters should exercise greater oversight of what happens at the Academy
- The Academy Board of Visitors (BoV) should be revamped and given greater powers to function like a corporate board of directors
Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) - The foundation of military law in the United States. It was established by the United States Congress in accordance with the authority given by the United States Constitution in Article I, Section 8, which provides that "The Congress shall have Power....To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval forces". Sexual Assault is covered in the UCMJ under Articles 120 (Rape and Sexual Assault Generally), 125 (Sodomy) and Article 80 (Attempts). The term “unwanted sexual contact” does not appear in Articles 120, 125 or 80. For the purposes of the Service Academy Gender Relations Survey (SAGR) and the Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, it is used to refer to a range of sex-related offenses that the UCMJ prohibits. These offenses include completed or attempted oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by a body part or an object and the unwanted touching of genitalia, buttocks, breasts, or inner thighs when the victim did not or could not consent. The definition of unwanted sexual contact used in the SAGR is behaviorally based and not intended to designate specific UCMJ offenses or establish crime rates. (Source: Academic Program Year 2017-2018 Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies)