Sexual assault offenders pay for a lifetime

When the Department of Defense received 2004 sexual assault allegation
numbers, it decided to implement new policies to strengthen the Sexual
Assault Response and Prevention Program.

In 2004, 1,700 allegations of sexual assault were reported to military
criminal investigators from members of the armed forces worldwide.
According to the DOD SARP, 1,275 of these cases involved a
service-member as a victim and 1,305 incidents involved a
service-member as an alleged offender.

One of DOD’s biggest concerns was the number of sexual assault cases not being reported.

“Sexual assault is the most under reported crime in American society,”
said Capt. Michael Landers, 38th Combat Support Wing sexual assault
response coordinator.

“We don’t want anyone that commits this crime or supports this behavior
in our military.  Our goal in the KMC is to prevent sexual assault
through continuous education and prevention.”

The DOD began implementing new policies in 2005 by making the SARC a
permanent position, available to all servicemembers to coordinate
sexual assault victim care. Next, the DOD reviewed and approved stiff
consequences for those guilty of sexual assault.

Military members who are sexual assault offenders are required to
register as sex offenders, to include posting their name, address,
picture and offense, on state and local Web sites.

Offenders are required to notify neighbors, potential employers and
landlords of the conviction.  Furthermore, states can restrict
where offenders are allowed to live, according to the U.S. Air Forces
Europe SARC.

Some states are considering legislation which would require offenders
to wear a lifelong monitoring device or issue a special driver’s
license plate to further identify and track offenders.

Beyond registering as a sexual offender, those individuals will lose
benefits and serve time for their offenses. Offenders could face
federal criminal conviction and lose their rights to vote, use 
firearms and access to Veterans Affairs benefits. If the offender is
not a U.S. citizen, the offender can be deported, according to the
USAFE SARC.

“Perpetrators need to know they will be held accountable for their
actions,” said Captain Landers. “They will have plenty of time to think
about their choices behind bars.”

24/7 SARC hotlines:
KMC Air Force, 480-SARC and Army SARC, 0162-296-7320.