The West Virginia National Guard Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is a part of the Department of Defense-wide initiative to end sexual assault in the military, and encourage Service Members to protect and defend one another against unwanted sexual contact.
The West Virginia National Guard is committed to eliminating incidents of sexual assault by instituting a comprehensive policy that focuses on increasing awareness through prevention and education, victim centered support, intimidation free reporting, thorough investigation, and accountability for those who commit sexual crimes.
Sexual assault is the most under-reported crime in our society and in the Military. DoD believes its first priority is to protect the victims; treat them with dignity and respect; and to provide them with the medical treatment, legal assistance, victim assistance, care, and counseling that they deserve. Under DoD's Confidentiality Policy, sexual assault victims are offered two reporting options: restricted reporting and unrestricted reporting. While the Department of Defense (DoD) prefers unrestricted reporting of sexual assaults to activate law enforcement actions, it recognizes that some victims desire only medical, legal, advocate, and support services and no command or law enforcement involvement.