The acronym SARC has two prominent meanings, and consequently, professionals with this title work with distinctly different populations. A Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) in a military context primarily works with victims and survivors of sexual assault, while a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC) is a Navy medic attached to a specialized Marine Corps unit. Community-based SARCs (Support, Advocacy & Resource Centers) operate outside the military to serve victims of violence in local communities.
Who Sexual Assault Response Coordinators Work With
Military and civilian Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) serve as the central point of contact for individuals affected by sexual assault. They coordinate a network of support to ensure victims receive comprehensive care and resources.
Military Population
- Active Duty Service Members: SARCs provide direct support, advocacy, and guidance on reporting options (restricted or unrestricted) to service members who have experienced sexual assault.
- Military Dependents (18+): Adult dependents of military personnel are eligible for the same confidential support and resources as service members.
- DoD Civilian Employees: In overseas locations or contingency operations, DoD civilian employees and their adult dependents are also served by military SARCs.
- Contractors: In certain operational areas, contractors who are U.S. citizens may also be covered by military SARC services.
- Military Leadership: SARCs work closely with unit commanders to ensure a safe and supportive environment for survivors, especially when an unrestricted report is filed.
- Victim Advocates (VAs): SARCs oversee and coordinate the network of volunteer victim advocates who provide immediate crisis intervention and non-clinical support to victims.
- Law Enforcement: For unrestricted reports, SARCs coordinate with law enforcement, such as the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) or military criminal investigative organizations, to ensure the victim's rights are protected during an investigation.
- Medical and Mental Health Providers: SARCs facilitate access to appropriate medical care, including forensic exams, and connect victims with mental health counseling and therapy.
- Special Victims' Counsel (SVC): SARCs refer victims to a Special Victims' Counsel, an attorney who provides independent legal advice and representation.
Community Populations
- Victims of Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, and Stalking: Community-based SARCs, like the Support, Advocacy & Resource Center, have expanded their mission to assist victims of a wider range of crimes.
- Non-offending Family Members: In cases of child abuse or other family violence, community SARCs also provide support and advocacy to non-offending family members.
- General Community: Community SARCs engage in prevention-based education and outreach programs aimed at fostering a community free of violence.
Who Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsmen Work With
As specialized Navy hospital corpsmen, SARCs operate with elite Marine Corps units, providing advanced medical care in high-stakes environments.
- Marine Reconnaissance Units: SARCs are assigned to Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalions and Force Reconnaissance (FORECON) companies, serving alongside Recon Marines.
- Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC): These highly trained medics support MARSOC and its critical skills operators within Raider Battalions.
- United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM): SARCs provide advanced medical trauma management and operational support to other USSOCOM units.
- Operational Personnel: Within these elite teams, SARCs also instruct and advise other operational personnel on tactical medical skills and the prevention of injuries.
Comparison of SARC Roles and the Populations They Serve
| Feature | Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) | Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman (SARC) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Victim advocate and coordinator of support services for sexual assault survivors. | Highly trained Navy medic attached to Marine Reconnaissance units. |
| Work Environment | Office on a military installation, on-call for crisis response, or within a civilian community center. | Deployed with Marine units in combat zones, performing special reconnaissance, diving, and other combat-related tasks. |
| Serves | Active duty service members, dependents, DoD civilians, contractors, and local community members affected by sexual violence. | Elite military operators, including Marine Reconnaissance, Force Recon, and MARSOC personnel. |
| Key Activities | Crisis intervention, explaining reporting options, coordinating medical/legal aid, managing volunteer victim advocates, prevention training. | Advanced trauma care, basic surgical procedures in hostile environments, diving medicine, and tactical combat casualty care. |
| Confidentiality | Can provide restricted or confidential reporting options for sexual assault survivors. | Handles sensitive medical information in a combat or hostile environment. |
Conclusion
While the acronym SARC can refer to different professionals, the populations they work with are highly specific to their role. Sexual Assault Response Coordinators dedicate their efforts to providing compassionate, comprehensive support to survivors within both military and civilian communities, often collaborating with a network of legal, medical, and mental health professionals. In contrast, Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsmen are elite Navy medics who work with specialized Marine units, offering advanced medical capabilities in combat and tactical operations. Understanding these distinct roles is crucial for anyone seeking or providing help related to a SARC's area of expertise.
What is the difference between a military SARC and a community SARC?
A military SARC (Sexual Assault Response Coordinator) serves active duty service members, dependents, and DoD civilians, while a community SARC (Support, Advocacy & Resource Center) assists local residents affected by sexual violence, domestic abuse, and other crimes.
Does a SARC provide legal assistance?
A SARC can refer sexual assault survivors to appropriate military or civilian legal offices for assistance, such as obtaining a protective order or legal counsel. For military members, this includes coordination with a Special Victims' Counsel (SVC).
Can a dependent receive confidential services from a military SARC?
Yes, adult military dependents are eligible for both restricted (confidential) and unrestricted sexual assault reporting options through military SARCs and their Victim Advocates.
What types of training do Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsmen receive?
Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsmen (SARCs) undergo extensive and physically demanding training that includes combat diver school, U.S. Army Airborne School, and the Special Operations Combat Medic course.
Can military members who are geographically separated contact a SARC?
Yes, military members who are geographically separated can access support from a SARC by contacting the DoD Safe Helpline, which can refer them to the nearest SARC office for assistance.
What happens when a survivor files a restricted report with a SARC?
When a survivor files a restricted report, the SARC and Victim Advocate can provide medical treatment and counseling without triggering an official investigation or command notification, giving the survivor control over their healing process.
What other organizations do SARCs collaborate with?
SARCs collaborate with various organizations to ensure comprehensive victim care, including military criminal investigative authorities, Family Advocacy Programs for minors, local medical and mental health facilities, and non-profit victim assistance programs.
