How does a victim make a CATCH entry?
Visit the CATCH Program website on a computer or mobile device. A SARC can a personal, anonymous, secure log-in information.
Does a victim have to provide a name in a CATCH entry?
No, a victim cannot share a name. The process is anonymous.
What information is needed about the suspect?
The most helpful information is suspect name, suspect phone number, suspect social media usernames and platforms, suspect rank, and date and location of the offense. Victims may also upload digital photos to the CATCH submission.
How long is an entry stored in the CATCH system?
Each CATCH entry is kept for 10 years. This means that the victim could be contacted at any time over the next 10 years if there is a potential match, as long as they don't opt out and change contact information.
What about a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Kit?
A SAFE Kit corresponding to a Restricted Report will be retained for 10 years in order to avoid the unintended destruction of a Restricted Reporting SAFE Kit affiliated with a CATCH entry.
How will a victim be contacted if there is a potential match?
A victim will be contacted privately by a SARC, using ONLY the information s/he provided. The victim's name and information will remain anonymous until s/he decides to participate in an investigation and convert a Restricted Report to Unrestricted, if applicable. Victims may opt out at any point in the process, even after being notified of a potential match.
What if a victim changes their mind, can s/he opt out of the CATCH Program after making an entry?
Yes, a victim can opt out at any time, even after being notified of a potential match, by contacting a SARC.
If a victim who previously filed a Restricted Report now wants to submit a CATCH entry, do they have to fill out a new DD Form 2910 with the CATCH notifications and victim's contact information?
No, but s/he will need to add a few things to the DD Form 2910, like contact information, so the SARC can notify them if there is a match in the future. See highlighted areas in the DD Form 2910 to locate CATCH information.
If a victim uses their own computer to enter information in the CATCH system, is their IP address captured? Does it track cell phones?
No. The CATCH database is a secure database and does not capture IP addresses. No, it does not track cell phones.
Can a victim submit a CATCH entry on a cell phone?
Yes, the application is mobile-friendly so a victim can fill it out on a phone.
If a victim inadvertently provides information in the CATCH database that makes them identifiable (i.e., says the offender is their supervisor and provides the name of the supervisor on the form), will they have to convert to an Unrestricted Report?
No. This has happened before. The victim will let a SARC know and the CATCH entry will be deleted. If the victim wants to create a new entry, the SARC will provide a new username and password.
Who will the other CATCH Program POCs be?
Information contained in the database is visible only to specially designated Military Criminal Investigation Organizations (MCIOs) assigned to the Service's CATCH headquarters, not to an installation. There is no identifying information contained in the database to match an entry to the victim.
If a victim has elected to file an Unrestricted Report, but does not wish to participate in the investigation, are they able to provide information via the CATCH database?
Depends. If the victim files an Unrestricted Report but did not give law enforcement the suspect's name and if law enforcement did not discover the suspect identity, then they are eligible to participate in the CATCH Program.
Can a victim of sexual assault who has left the Service still participate in the CATCH Program?
Yes. Former Service members and their adult dependents are eligible.
Can a victim who receives Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for military sexual trauma (MST) submit a CATCH entry?
Yes, former Service members and their adult dependents are eligible to submit a CATCH entry. To locate the nearest SARC, click here.
What are the requirements for a victim who wants to mail in a hard copy of their CATCH form?
To submit a hard copy CATCH entry, the SARC will print out an entry form with a Victim Report Number on it for the victim to fill in and provide the CATCH Program headquarters mailing address.
What happens when a victim who participating in the CATCH Program transfers?
There is no change. If there is a match, the victim will be contacted with the contact information they provided on the DD Form 2910 by the CATCH POC designated by the Service.
If a victim transfers and signs the DD Form 2910 agreeing to transfer their case, where can they update contact information for CATCH notification purposes?
To update the contact information provided in the CATCH section of the DD Form 2910, the victim needs to contact the local SARC.
What is the role of a Special Victims’ Counsel/Victims' Legal Counsel if there is a match in the CATCH system?
The Special Victims’ Counsel/Victims’ Legal Counsel (SVC/VLC) will assist the victim in getting answers to questions related to the investigation or legal process.
If a victim has more questions, who can s/he speak with before deciding?
A SARC or SAPR Victim Advocate can help answer questions or, if eligible, provide a referral to a Special Victims' Counsel/Victims' Legal Counsel to answer legal questions about the CATCH program.
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