Procedures For Responding to

Sexual Assault

SAFETY AND SECURITY COORDINATORS

(SSCs)

Immediate Response Phase

Read the first part of the scenario. Using the Procedures as a
guide, decide with your team:
1. What are your primary objectives for the immediate
response phase?
2. What is the Serious or Imminent Threat Assessment telling
you?
3. What information will you provide the Volunteer?
4. What services will you offer the Volunteer?
5. Who will you notify?

Immediate Response Phase (0-24 Hours)

SSC (For all Sexual Assaults)
Assist PCMO in developing a response plan. Plan on traveling
to the PCVs location.
Assist the PCMO in determining whether or not there is a
serious or imminent threat to the Volunteer. (Utilize the
Serious or Imminent Threat Tool)
In cases where you suspect there is a serious or imminent
threat, immediately contact the Assigned Security Specialist at
+1-202-437-5159
For cases where there is no serious or imminent threat, notify
the Assigned Security Specialist the next business day.

Immediate Response Phase (0-24 Hours)

Review the Legal Environment Survey

Discuss law enforcement and prosecutorial options with the
PCMO and the Volunteer if requested.
If Volunteer requests a lawyer, call the OGC duty lawyer +1202------. DO NOT PROVIDE PII to the OGC duty lawyer.
If the PCV has decided to notify law enforcement, accompany
the Volunteer to the police station or, when not possible,
arrange for another appropriate staff person to do so.

Immediate Response Phase (0-24 Hours)

In coordination with the PCMO, make hotel arrangements for

the PCV if she is going to be moved from site.

Determine if the PCV would like to stay in a hotel separate from

one regularly used by other PCVs.

Determine if the PCV would like a friend to stay with her at the
hotel.

Initial and Extended Response Phases

Read the second part of the scenario. Using the
Procedures as a guide, decide with your team :
1.

What information will you provide the Volunteer

regarding her reporting and support options?

2.

How will you document her choices?

3.

What clinical options will you consider?

4.

Who will you update on the progression of the case?

Initial Support Phase (24-72 Hours)

Start the completion of the Post Incident Assessment Tool.

Implement the Serious or Imminent Threat Assessment.

Provide findings to the PCMO and Assigned Security Specialist

Ensure the Volunteer has received an overview of her law

enforcement and prosecutorial options.

If the Volunteer requests a lawyer, call OGC duty lawyer at +1202----. DO NOT provide OGC with PII.

DO NOT contact CD or DMO regarding the attorney.

Initial Support Phase (24-72 Hours)

If the Volunteer has decided to report to local authorities but

has not done so already, accompany the Volunteer.

If a report has been filed with authorities, remain in contact

with police, RSO and others and provide regular updates to the
Volunteer, CD and other staff as necessary.

Initial Support Phase (24-72 Hours)

Any recommendations or concerns you have about the

Volunteers continued service at site or at post must be shared
with designated staff. In cases of a Standard Report, this must
be shared with the CD.

If necessary, request a CARS call through the Victim Advocate.

Ensure that the appropriate report (Restricted or Standard)

has been filed in CIRS.

Extended Support Phase (72+ Hours)

Complete the Post Incident Assessment and discuss findings

with designated staff (CD for Standard). Make
recommendations as appropriate.

Extended Support Phase (72+ Hours)

If legal counsel was hired to advise the Volunteer, inform the

OGC Duty Lawyer once the service has been given.

Assist PCMO, Victim Advocate and Assigned Security

Specialist in developing a safety plan with the Volunteer.

Coordinate logistical support for the Volunteer if she is

returning from a medevac (e.g. pick up at airport, hotel
arrangements, etc.)

Notify appropriate staff of any security concerns you may have.

Extended Support Phase (72+ Hours)

If necessary, convene a CARS call through the Victim

Advocate.

If the Volunteer chooses to file a complaint with law

enforcement, notify CD and Designated Staff.

Ensure that the Volunteer is accompanied to all ongoing law

enforcement or court proceedings.

If the PCV is in country, provide regular updates to the

Volunteer on the status of the case.

Ensure updates to the CIRS report are made as new

information is obtained.