This Web Site is designed to provide public information about the Defense Task Force on Sexual Assault in the Military Services that was established by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. The Task Force is conducting an examination of matters relating to sexual assault in the Armed Services; specifically matters relating to sexual assaults in cases in which members of the Armed Services are either victims or commit acts of sexual assault. We are currently working towards our first meeting. As information regarding the Task Force becomes available this website will be updated.

Victims of Sexual Assault Requested to Talk to Task Force

It's time to hear first-hand from victims and survivors of sexual assault in our military.

The Defense Task Force on Sexual Assault in the Military Services needs victims or witnesses of sexual assault to tell their personal story to gain valuable insight into the military's approach and response to this crime.

Anyone who's been a victim, whether or not the assault was ever reported, and who is not part of an ongoing case under investigation, is being asked to contact the Task Force to participate in a confidential interview.

The task force is on a year-long, world-wide effort, looking at sexual assault programs in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, to find out how the Services' programs are working to prevent and respond to sexual assault.

When the assessment is complete, the task force will report to Congress about trends they have found in the military, and will make specific recommendations to improve our military programs.

If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of sexual assault, and are willing to talk to a member of the task force, please contact DTFSAMS at

888-325-6640 or assist@wso.whs.mil

Additional information regarding the Task Force can be located on the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) website:
http://fido.gov/facadatabase/committeemenu.asp?cno=25164&fy=2008

Please select the link below to access our brochure
Fostering dignity and respect for all who serve

The column to the left provides links to the following information:
Members: The people who comprise the Task Force, including the names and biographies of Task Force members and Task Force staff.
Schedule: Date and Location of meetings, Announcements, and Trip Reports.
Background: Task Force Charter, Authority, Vision and Mission.
Research Links: Documents related to sexual assault.
Related Links: Websites that contain general information regarding sexual assault and other related issues.

Official Mailing Address:
Task Force on Sexual Assault in the Military Services
2850 Eisenhower Ave, Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22314-4567

This Task Force is not a reporting agency. However, if you have been sexually assaulted and/or are in need of emergency assistance, please contact your local or military police immediately by dialing 911.

Other sources of help, information or resources include:

DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Office:
http://www.sapr.mil

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN):
http://www.rainn.org

National Sexual Violence Resource Center:
http://www.nsvrc.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline:
http://www.ndvh.org

There are many organizations and hotlines in every state and territory. These crisis centers and agencies work hard to stop assaults and to help victims. The following link from the National Women's Health Information Center provides the contact information for these organizations: http://www.4women.gov/orgs.cfm
You can also obtain the numbers of shelters, counseling services, and legal assistance in your phone book or by calling information in your area.

Website updated March 6, 2009