What happens when I text or call the Helpline?
When you contact the NDNG helpline, it is answered by the local SARC (Sexual Assault Response Coordinator). Conversations with the SARC and/or Victim Advocates (VA) are confidential. You do not need to provide any personal identifiable information to contact the helpline for information. This means you do not need to provide your name, rank, where you are calling from or anything about what happened. You are not required to make a report when you call, you can just ask questions and get information on resources.
If I report, what happens?
The Victim Advocate will walk you through all your options and answer your questions. There are two reporting options for victims of sexual assault: Restricted and Unrestricted. The difference between these reporting options is that an Unrestricted will prompt an investigation, include command involvement, and allow requests for an expedited transfer. An Unrestricted report information is only shared with those who need to know. A Restricted Report allows you to confidentially disclose a sexual assault to a SARC or VA without notifying your command or law enforcement. Also, you can still file a Restricted Report if the assault has been inadvertently or previously disclosed to command by the victim, suspect, or a third party. If a report is made to law enforcement or CID by anyone other than the victim, you can still file a Restricted Report.
There are many resources available to you with both reporting options. Available Military Resources: Sexual Assault Repose Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate (VA), Chaplain, Behavioral Health Provider, Special Victims’ Counsel, Military Protection Order (MPO- Unrestricted Only), Expedited Transfer (Unrestricted only), CATCH Program, LOD (Line of Duty- may help cover medical or behavioral health costs). Civilian Resources are also
If I report a sexual assault, will it really be confidential?
Yes. If a restricted report is filed, no one but the SARC and Victim Advocate will have knowledge of the report. If an unrestricted report is filled, more people will have knowledge of the report because there will be an investigation. However, only personnel with a need-to-know will be privy to that knowledge.
What is a SAFE exam and where would I go to have one?
A SAFE exam is a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam. In ND, the best place to go if you want a SAFE exam is an Emergency Room. During a SAFE exam a trained forensic nurse will collect evidence from your body and clothes after a sexual assault. SAFE exams are helpful for survivors who may want to pursue legal action against the offender either now or in the future. If you want more information, reach out to the NDNG SARC (701-425-4821) Helpline or the SAFE Helpline (877-995-5247). Please note in North Dakota, medical professionals are mandated reporters, this means that they will have to report to law enforcement. However, you still have a choice to participate or not in any investigation.