Military personnel experiencing harassment on base have access to a variety of resources designed to provide support, reporting options, and prevention education:

1. Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 1020.04
This instruction outlines policies and procedures for preventing and responding to harassment, including sexual harassment, for DoD civilian employees and military personnel. It ensures that individuals can report harassment both within and outside their chain of command, including anonymous reporting options where applicable. It also provides training on identifying harassment, retaliation, and bystander intervention.

2. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program

• SAPR offers confidential support and reporting options for sexual harassment and assault.
• Victims can make Restricted Reports (confidential) or Unrestricted Reports (which trigger investigations).
• The program includes Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) and Victim Advocates (VAs) who assist with reporting and provide support.
• The DoD Safe Helpline is available 24/7 for confidential assistance via phone, text, or online chat.

3. Military District of Washington SHARP Program

• The SHARP program focuses on eliminating sexual harassment and assault through comprehensive policies.
• It includes the CATCH program, which allows victims to anonymously disclose suspect information to identify serial offenders.
• Crisis hotlines and direct contacts for SARCs are available 24/7 for immediate assistance.

4. National and DoD Helplines for Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

• The National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673) is available 24/7 for confidential support.
• The DoD Safe Helpline (877-995-5247) and installation-specific support lines provide specialized help.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs offers disability compensation for conditions related to MST.

5. Reporting Retaliation and Whistleblower Protections

• Retaliation related to harassment or sexual assault reports can be reported through SARCs, SAPR VAs, or the DoD Inspector General’s Whistleblower Protection Program.
• The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigates criminal retaliation under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

These resources collectively ensure that military personnel have multiple avenues for reporting harassment, receiving support, and accessing education to prevent harassment on base. Immediate help is available through crisis hotlines and Safe Helpline services, while formal reporting and investigation processes are supported by dedicated personnel and programs within the military structure.