The Air Force has instituted new avenues for reporting sexual assault in the form of Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting.
Restricted Reporting allows sexual assault victims to confidentially disclose the assault to specified individuals (i.e., SARC, SAPR VA, Chaplains or healthcare personnel), and receive medical treatment, including emergency care, counseling, and assignment of a SARC and SAPR VA, without triggering an investigation. It is intended to give the victim (survivor) time and control over the release of their information. Further, it also empowers the survivor to make an informed decision about participating in the criminal process.
Restricted Reporting is available for:
- All Service members and their Dependents over the age of 18
Unrestricted Reporting is any report of sexual assault made through normal reporting channels (for example: reports to chain of command, security forces, and/or Air Force Office of Investigation). This reporting option triggers an investigation, command notification, and allows a person who has been sexually assaulted to access medical treatment and counseling.
Unrestricted Reporting is available for:
- All Service members and their Dependents over the age of 18
- DoD Civilians and their Dependents over the age of 18 (MTF access and/or serving in an OS location)
- Contractors (if supporting in a contingency location outside the continental United States)
Independent Reporting is an assault reported by someone other than the victim.