Training Civilians

The training course Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships to Respond to Sexual Assault was designed for community-based sexual assault programs that wish to establish working relationships with local military installations to better serve military sexual assault victims. Throughout this training, participants will build knowledge about military systems, protocols and culture to improve service provision to military sexual assault victims and to develop an appreciation of the perspectives of their future collaborative partners. The goal of the training is not to make participants experts on the Military, but to allow participants to be a knowledgeable resource to military installations throughout the United States.


  • Individual Presentation Modules
  • Individual Training Materials

  • The Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships to Respond to Sexual Assault course is broken into eight training modules. Through the progression of modules, participants build knowledge about military systems, protocols and culture to improve Service provision to military sexual assault victims. Check out videos related to these training modules:

    • Module 1: Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships to Respond to Sexual Assault (306 KB)
      The learning objectives of this module:
      • Become acquainted with speakers and colleagues
      • Identify training goals
      • Recognize the many differences between the civilian and military worlds
    • Module 2: Military 101 (2.24 MB)
      The learning objectives of this module are:
      • Identify and examine individual branches of Military Service
      • Demonstrate understanding of military history, values, beliefs, mission and goals
      • Examine personal attitudes and beliefs about the Military
      • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the commander, command structure and line of communication
      • Examine gender roles in the Military
      • Examine differences in military and civilian culture
    • Module 3: Military Response to Sexual Assault (105 KB)
      The learning objectives of this module are:
      • Examine the issue of sexual violence in the Military and the Department of Defense's (DoD) Response
      • Identify military resources and examine their roles and responsibilities
      • Compare and contrast roles of community-based advocates and military Victim Advocates (VAs) and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
    • Module 4: Confidentiality and Reporting Options (2.14 MB)
      The learning objectives of this module are:
      • Demonstrate understanding of Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting options for sexual assault
      • Summarize the rationale for maintaining a Restricted Reporting option for sexual assault
      • Identify military personnel who offer privilege, confidential reporting and covered communication
      • Summarize the mandated reporting requirements
    • Module 5: Unique Issues for Sexual Assault Victims in the Military (743 KB)
      The learning objectives of this module are:
      • Brainstorm the needs of sexual assault victims
      • Examine issues unique to military victims of sexual assault
      • Consider military sexual trauma
    • Module 6: Military Justice Process (696 KB)
      The learning objectives of this module are:
      • Identify the commander's role in the military justice system
      • Compare and contrast military and civilian justice systems
      • Examine DoD Directive's Victim Bill of Rights
    • Module 7: Special Considerations (1.28 MB)
      The learning objectives of this module are:
      • State the possible barriers to service and to full implementation of DoD policy experienced by National Guard and Reserve members
      • Identify how and where military sexual assault victims can access medical assistance
      • Review services available through the Department of Veterans Affairs and identify who can access services
    • Module 8: Steps Towards Successful Collaboration (4.84 MB)
      The learning objectives of this module are:
      • Recognize the characteristics of successful collaboration in working relationships
      • Identify key collaboration partners and describe their role in effectively responding to military victims of sexual assault


    • Instruction Sheet PCAR Curriculum (146 KB)

      A DoD Fact Sheet discussing the format, trainers and materials needed for the Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships to Respond to Sexual Assault course.

    • Facilitators Guide (7.32 MB)

      This Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships to Respond to Sexual Assault trainer's manual is a template to help instructors. It details the information to be discussed and how to introduce, conduct and process group activities. It also contains a copy of all participant materials and visuals.

    • Participants Workbook (34.0 MB)

      The Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships to Respond to Sexual Assault participant workbook is full of information and worksheets. The workbook is used throughout training and should be kept as a job aid to use as reference after the training.

    • Losing Control (1.60 MB)

      Military living from the perspective of a Service member spouse.