THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARMY
1775
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARMY
Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
11 February 2025
*Army Regulation 600–52
Effective 11 February 2025

Personal Affairs

Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program

By Order of the Secretary of the Army:

RANDY A. GEORGE
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff

Official:
JULIE A. BLANKS
Acting Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army

History. This publication is a mandated revision. The portions affected by this mandatory revision are listed in the summary of change.

Authorities. This regulation implements DoDD 1020.03; DoDI 6400.07; DoDI 6495.01; DoDI 6495.02, Volumes 1 through 3; and DoDI 6495.03.

Applicability. This regulation applies to the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated. Portions of this regulation that prescribe specific conduct are punitive, and violations may subject offenders to nonjudicial or judicial action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Proponent and exception authority. The proponent of this regulation is the Deputy Chief of Staff, G–9. The proponent has the authority to approve exceptions or waivers to this regulation that are consistent with controlling law and regulations. The proponent may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a division chief within the proponent agency or its direct reporting unit or field operating agency in the grade of colonel or the civilian equivalent. Activities may request a waiver to this regulation by providing justification that includes a full analysis of the expected benefits and must include formal review by the activity's senior legal officer. All waiver requests will be endorsed by the commander or senior leader of the requesting activity and forwarded through their higher headquarters to the policy proponent. Refer to AR 25–30 for specific requirements.

Army internal control process. This regulation contains internal control provisions in accordance with AR 11–2 and identifies key internal controls that must be evaluated (see appendix E).

Suggested improvements. Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA FormDA FormDepartment of the Army form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to the Deputy Chief of Staff, G–9 (DAIN–SF), usarmy.pentagon.hqda-dcs-g-9.mbx.publishing-team@army.mil.

Distribution. This regulation is available in electronic media only and is intended for the Regular Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.

*This regulation supersedes AR 600-52, dated 10 January 2025.
AR 600–52 • 11 February 2025
UNCLASSIFIED

Defense Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program Selection, Certification, Background Screening, Training, and Additional Skill Identifier

Hotline

Assistance Visit, and Organization Inspection Program This chapter prescribes roles and responsibilities for executing the Army’s SHARP Compliance and Oversight Program. Commanders rely upon feedback from personal observations, inspec-tions conducted as part of the OIP, SAVs, and other evaluations to assess the readiness of their personnel, compliance, and overall effectiveness of the command’s SHARP Program.

Accessions training Training that a Service member receives upon initial entry into Military Service through basic military train- ing (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol. 1).

Advocacy Active support that provides information and education to victims and facilitates access to resources and systems following a crime or traumatic event (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol 1).

Collateral misconduct The adult sexual assault victim’s alleged misconduct that might be in time, place or circumstance associ- ated with the victim’s sexual assault. Some reported sexual assaults involve circumstances where the vic- tim allegedly may have engaged in some form of misconduct “at or near the time” of the sexual assault or “at or near the time” the victim reports the sexual assault to authorities. Collateral misconduct will often be discovered as a direct result of the report of sexual assault or the ensuing investigation or prosecution of the sexual assault (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol. 1).

Confidential communication Verbal, written, or electronic communications of personally identifiable information concerning a sexual assault victim and the act of sexual assault incident provided by the victim to the SARC, SAPR VA, or healthcare personnel in a restricted report. This confidential communication includes the victim’s SAFE kit and its information. (see DoDD 6495.01).

Consent A freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of con- sent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or sub- mission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not consti- tute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue will not constitute consent. A sleeping, un- conscious, or incompetent person cannot consent (see DoDD 6495.01).

Crisis intervention Emergency non-clinical care aimed at assisting victims in alleviating potential negative consequences by providing safety assessments and connecting victims to needed resources. The SARC or VA will inter- vene as quickly as possible to assess the victim’s safety and determine the needs of victims and connect them to appropriate referrals, as needed (see DoDD 6495.01).

Department of Defense Safe Helpline A crisis support service for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. The DoD Safe Helpline: is available 24/7 worldwide with “click, call, or text” user options for anonymous and confidential support; can be accessed by logging on to www.safehelpline.org or by calling 1 – 877 – 995 – 5247, and through the DoD Safe Helpline mobile application, and is to be utilized as the sole DoD hotline ; does not replace local base and installation SARC or VA contact information (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol 1).

Emergency A situation that requires immediate intervention to prevent the loss of life, limb, sight, or body tissue to prevent undue suffering. Regardless of appearance, a sexual assault victim needs immediate medical in- tervention to prevent loss of life or undue suffering resulting from physical injuries, internal or external, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, or psychological distress. Sexual assault victims will be given priority as emergency cases regardless of evidence of physical injury (see DoDD 6495.01).

Favorable results Results of background investigation pre-screening and assignment eligibility screening process without any issues that would cause a background investigation to be disapproved after the adjudication process (see DoDI 6495.03).

Healthcare provider Those individuals who are employed or assigned as healthcare professionals or are credentialed to pro- vide healthcare services at an MTFMTFMilitary treatment facility, or who provide such care at a deployed location or otherwise in an official capacity. This also includes military personnel, DoD civilian employees, and DoD contractors who provide healthcare at an occupational health clinic for DoD civilian employees or DoD contractor person- nel. Healthcare providers may include, but are not limited to: Licensed physicians practicing in the MHS with clinical privileges in obstetrics and gynecology, emer- gency medicine, family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, urology, general medical officer, undersea medical officer flight surgeon, psychiatrist, or those having clinical privilege to perform pelvic examination or treat mental health conditions. Licensed advanced practice registered nurses practicing in the MHS with clinical privileges in adult health, family health, midwifery, women’s health, mental health, or those having clinical privileges to per- form pelvic examinations. Licensed physician assistants practicing in the MHS with clinical privileges in adult, family, women’s health, or those having clinical privileges to perform pelvic examinations. Licensed registered nurses practicing in the MHS who meet the requirements for preforming a SAFE as determine d by the local privileging authority. Thus, additional capability shall be noted as a competency, not as a credential or privilege. A psychologist, social worker or psychotherapist licensed and privileged to provide mental health care of other counseling services in a DoD or DoD-sponsored facility (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol. 1).

Intimate partner Within the context of eligibility for FAP services, a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the alleged abuser, as determined by the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the person and the alleged abuser. An inti- mate partner is informed by, but not limited to, the totality of factors such as previous or ongoing consen- sual intimate or sexual behaviors; history of ongoing dating or expressed interest in continued dating or the potential for an ongoing relationship (e.g., history of repeated break-ups and reconciliations); self- identification by the victim or subject as intimate partners or identification by others as a couple; emotional connectedness (e.g., relationship is a priority, partners may have discussed a future together); and famili- arity and knowledge of each other’s lives. (see DoDI 6400.06).

No Wrong Door Approach used by all responders so that a person seeking services from an organization will be assisted either by direct support or a warm handoff, with the goal of obtaining timely care or advocacy (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol 1).

Open with limited information Entry in DSAID to be used in the following situations: victim refused or declined services, victim opt-out of participating in investigative process, third-party reports, local jurisdiction refused to provide victim infor- mation, or civilian victim with military subject (see DODIDODIDepartment of the Defense Instruction 6495.02, Vol. 1).

Recovery-oriented care Focus on the victim and on doing what is necessary and appropriate to support victim recovery, and also, if a Service member, to support that Servicemember to be fully mission capable and engaged (see DoDD 6495.01).

Responders Includes first responders, who are generally composed of personnel in the following disciplines or posi- tions: SARCs, VAs, healthcare personnel, law enforcement, and MCIOs. Other responders are judge ad- vocates, chaplains, and commanders, but they are usually not first responders (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol. 1).

Restricted reporting Reporting option that allows sexual assault victims to confidentially disclose the assault to specified indi- viduals (that is, SARC, SAPR VA, and healthcare personnel), in accordance with DoDI 6310.09, and re- ceive medical treatment, including emergency care, counseling, and assignment of a SARC and SAPR VA, without triggering an official investigation. The victim’s report provided to healthcare personnel (in- cluding information acquired from a SAFE Kit), SARCs, or SAPR VAs will NOT be reported to law en- forcement or to the command to initiate the official investigative process unless the victim consents or an established EXCEPTION applies in accordance with DoDI 6492.02, Volume 1. The Restricted Reporting option applies to Service members and their military dependents 18 years of age and older. For additional persons who may be entitled to restricted reporting, see eligibility criteria in DoDI 6495.02. Only a SARC, SAPR VA, or healthcare personnel may receive a Restricted Report, previously referred to as Confiden- tial Reporting. This term and its definition are proposed for addtion in the next edition of the DoD Diction- ary of Military and Associated Terms (see DoDD 6495.01).

Retaliation An act that: Involves personnel actions: Wrongfully takes (or threatens to take) an adverse personnel action against any person; or wrongfully withholds (or threaten to withhold) a favorable personnel action with respect to any person for making or preparing to make a protected communication (that is, reporting a sexual as- sault). Section 1034 of Title 10, USCUSCUnited States Code; Article 132 of the UCMJUCMJUniformed Code of Military Justice. Protected communication means the fol- lowing: plains of, or discloses information that the member reasonably believes constitutes evidence of, any of the following: discrimination. danger to public health or safety. a Servicemember from social acceptance or membership with the intent to inflict emotional distress, dis- courage reporting, and discourage the administration of justice. Article 92 of the UCMJUCMJUniformed Code of Military Justice – “Failure to obey order or regulation.” son subject to their orders, but not necessarily in their chain of command. Not necessarily physical. Article 93 of the UCMJUCMJUniformed Code of Military Justice – “Cruelty and Maltreatment.” porting a criminal offense; 2910 – 2 are: commander, SVC (Air Force, Army, National Guard, and Coast Guard) VLC (Navy and Marine Corps) VC (Air Force)); Other individuals associated with the incident (for example, the victim’s roommate, friend, or co-worker who could be perceived as supporting the victim (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol. 3).

Safety assessment and planning A set of guidelines and considerations to address sexual assault and associated retaliation that the re- sponsible SARC, SAPR VA, or other personnel as designated by the Installation Commander, undertake to determine if a sexual assault victim is likely to be in imminent danger of physical or psychological harm as a result of being victimized by or reporting sexual assault(s). The guidelines and considerations consist of a sequence of questions, decisions, referrals, and actions that responders can take to contribute to the safety of victims during the first 72 hours after a report, and during other events that may increase the le- thality risk for victims (for e.g., arrests or command actions against the suspect). Types of imminent dan- ger may include non-lethal, lethal, or potentially lethal behaviors; the potential harm caused by the sus- pect, family/friend(s)/acquaintance(s) of the suspect, or the victims themselves (for example, harboring self-harm or suicidal thoughts). The safety assessment includes questions about multiple environments, to include home and the workplace. Victims are assessed for their perception or experience of potential danger from their leadership or peers via reprisal or ostracism. The safety assessment contains a safety plan component that victims can complete and take with them to help improve coping, social support, and resource access during their recovery period (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol. 1).

Secondary victimization The re-traumatization of the sexual assault, abuse, or rape victim. It is an indirect result of assault that oc- curs through the responses of individuals and institutions to the victim. The types of secondary victimiza- tion include victim blaming, inappropriate behavior or language by medical personnel and by other organi- zations with access to the victim post assault (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol. 1) .

Senior commander An officer designated on orders from HQDA as the senior commander of an installation. Normally, the senior GO at the installation. The senior commander’s mission is the care of Soldiers, Families, and DA Civilians, and to enable unit readiness. While the delegation of senior command authority is direct from HQDA, the senior commander will routinely resolve installation issues with IMCOMIMCOMU.S. Army Installation Management Command and, as needed, the associated ACOMACOMArmy service component command, ASCCASCCArmy service component commander, or DRUDRUDirect reporting unit (see AR 600 – 20).

Sexual assault Intentional sexual contact characterized by the use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. The term includes a broad category of sexual offenses con- sisting of the following specific UCMJUCMJUniformed Code of Military Justice offenses: rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit these offenses (see DoDD 6495.01).

Sexual assault forensic evidence kit The collection tools, usually packaged in the form of a boxed kit that includes collection containers, bags, measuring devices and other equipment along with the instructions used to gather medical forensic evi- dence during the sexual assault medical forensic examination. It also refers to the evidence, usually re- turned to the box and sealed, once collected. When used, it is a forensic product which is created through the process of evidence collection. (see DoDI 6310.09).

Sexual assault forensic examination A medical-forensic examination of a sexual assault patient (victim or suspect) by a specially trained healthcare provider known as a SAMFE. The SAFE includes a medical-forensic history; physical exami- nation; collection of evidence; documentation of biological and physical findings; and evaluation and treat- ment of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and other non- acute medical concerns (see DoDI 6310.09).

Sexual assault response coordinator The single point of contact at an installation or command within a geographic area, who oversees sexual assault awareness, prevention, and response training; coordinates medical treatment, including emer- gency care, for victims of sexual assault; and tracks the services provided to a victim of sexual assault from the initial report through final disposition and resolution This in no way impacts the responsibilities of commanders detailed in DoDI 6495.02, Volume 1.

Special victims’ counsel Attorneys who are assigned to provide legal assistance and representation in accordance with law and Service regulations. The Air Force, Army, NG, and Coast Guard refer to these attorneys as SVC. The Navy and Marine Corps refer to these attorneys as VLC (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol. 1).

Trauma-informed care An approach to engage people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives. Trauma-informed services are based on an understanding of the vulnerabilities or triggers of trauma survivors that traditional service delivery ap- proaches may exacerbate, so that these services and programs can be more supportive and avoid re- traumatization (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol. 1).

Victim assistance Includes services such as crisis intervention, risk screening, safety assessment and planning, assess- ment of basic victim/survivor needs, assistance with accessing compensation and restitution applications, provision of information about victims’ rights and the criminal justice process, court accompaniment, advo- cacy with human services agencies, information and referral, access to support services, case planning, case management, staff supervision, consultation with other professionals, education and risk reduction, and administration of victim service policies, programs, and activities (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol 1).

Warm Handoff A handoff that is conducted between two responders or providers, while making every effort to protect the victim’s privacy. The responder, who has initially approached by the victim, will conduct a warm handoff by accompanying the victim to the correct location in person or, through an approved platform, or through a conference call to introduce them to the appropriate resource, service provider, or point of contact (see DoDI 6495.02, Vol 1).