Objectives:

To adapt The International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict v2 (IP2) within the Department of Defense (DOD): Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) and Military Services to streamline reports of sexual violence when active-duty soldiers are deployed on military operations.

Background:

Sexual violence (SV) in the U.S. military is an ongoing public health issue that disproportionately impacts millions of military servicemembers worldwide. Particularly, active-duty women deployed on international military operations are at a heightened risk of sexual violence with limited resources for justice.

Methods:

A summary of the strengths and weaknesses of existing implementations of the IP2 in global contexts were conducted. Recommendations for adapting the IP2 to the U.S. context are provided.

Conclusions:

IP2 has been adopted in a few countries since its conception and a review of the literature identified limited implementations of the IP2. However, we argue that integrating the IP2 within the DOD SAPRO will reduce sexual assault and provide retribution to survivors. Policy adaptations and future recommendations are discussed.