SARC, SAPR services now available to AF civilians Published Oct. 30, 2015 By Holly Logan-Arrington Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Robins Air Force Base's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator team recently opened its services to Air Force civilian employees. The expansion came due to a recent Air Force policy change. Lisa Matney, a 78th Air Base Wing SARC, said the policy change is to ensure everyone has the support they may need in place. "Victim care is the main goal for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program and victim care is now available to our Defense Department civilians," she said. "Sexual assault is the most under-reported crime in our nation." The updated policy allows SARCs and sexual assault prevention and response victim advocates to assist Air Force civilians who report sexual assaults by providing crisis intervention and advocacy services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Defense Department recently signed the exception to policy, granting the Air Force the authority to extend SAPR services. Air Force civilian employees can now receive the same services as those already eligible to use SARC services, with the exception of legal and non-emergency medical services, which are restricted by law. Prior to the exception, only civilian employees at overseas locations and their dependents 18-years old or older were eligible to use the services. And, they could only file unrestricted reports. SARCs and SAPR victim advocates will assist in contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency for Air Force civilians who file unrestricted reports to ensure reports are properly investigated and prosecuted. They will also be able to help civilians identify and contact additional off-base support organizations as needed. Matney said the policy change is a great benefit to work centers across the installation.