Sexual Assault & Harassment is Not Your Fault
- Sexual assault and harassment has nothing to do with you, who you are or how you are perceived. Offenders rely on victim blaming to prevent survivors from coming forward.
- An offender can be a current or past romantic partner and unwanted sexual contact is considered intimate partner violence. If you or someone you know is a survivor of intimate partner violence, click here for more information.
- Arousal is a bodily reaction. It does not mean you wanted the sexual contact to happen.
- Sexual orientation is neither the cause nor outcome of sexual assault.
- Sexual assault knows no gender. If you are a man who has been sexually assaulted, click here for more information.
Restricted Vs. Unrestricted Reporting - What's the Difference?
Reporting Options
If you've been a victim of sexual assault, there are two reporting options available to you: Restricted and Unrestricted. Reporting allows military members, dependents, and National Guard civilians to take control over how and when they engage with resources. The major difference between these reporting options is that an unrestricted report will trigger an official investigation, whereas a restricted report will not.
Unrestricted Report
An Unrestricted Report allows your to receive medical treatment, advocacy services, and legal support. As part of this option, local law enforcement initiates an investigation and your chain-of-command is notified. You have the right to be reasonably protected and may be eligible for other protections, including a Military Protective Order and/or a civilian protective order. You may also be eligible for an Expedited Transfer to a new unit.
When you file an Unrestricted Report you are eligible for:
- Medical Treatment
- Sexual Assault Forensic Exam
- Counseling
- Chaplain Services
- Special Victim Counsel
- Legal Advocacy
- Victim Advocacy
- Command Support/Intervention
- Official Investigation
An Unrestricted Report also allows you to request protective and support measures like an Expedited Transfer or Military Protective Order. An Unrestricted Report cannot be changed to a Restricted Report.
Restricted Report
A Restricted Report allows you to receive Special Victims' Counsel legal advice and medical advocacy services, but does not trigger an investigation. Information will be provided to Command that does not reveal your identity, nor that of the alleged offender.
Only these professionals can accept a restricted report:
- Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
- Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate (VA)
- Healthcare Providers
When you file a Restricted Report, you are eligible for:
- Medical treatment
- Sexual Assault Forensic Exam
- Counseling
- Chaplain Services
- Special Victim Counsel
- Legal Advocacy
- Victim Advocacy
You may change a Restricted Report to an Unrestricted Report at any time.
A victim can file a Restricted Report even if...
1. The sexual assault has been inadvertently or previously disclosed to command by the victim, suspect, or third party;
2. The matter has been reported to law enforcement, to include the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, by anyone other than the victim; or
3. An investigation is initiated, in progress, or closed.