Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (SARP)

Reporting Sexual Assault 

Info for Soldiers

It is vital for your safety, the safety of your fellow soldiers, and the combat readiness of your unit that you report the sexual assault immediately to the proper authorities.  There are a variety of ways to report an assault, some of which trigger a military investigation, others of which do not trigger a military investigation. 

Sexual assault victims sometimes worry about the effect that reporting an assault can have on their safety or career.  Here are some examples of concerns victims may have, and some reasons why reporting the assault is the best choice: 

I was using illegal drugs when I was assaulted, and I am afraid that reporting the assault will get me into trouble.

 It is important that you report the assault no matter the circumstances.  Commanders can delay disciplinary action on related offenses you may have been involved in until after the resolution of the sexual assault investigation.

We will treat every sexual assault incident seriously, thoroughly investigate the incident, and hold those who commit offenses accountable.  If you do not report the assault, the Army cannot investigate or discipline the offender.  Your safety and the safety of others in your unit may be affected if you choose not to report the assault.

 I am afraid that if I report the assault, the person who assaulted me may try to hurt me or seek revenge for my report. 

The Military’s first priority is your safety and well-being.  Commanders may geographically separate you and the offender for your protection and for the readiness of the unit.  Commanders may also issue a Military Protective Order (MPO) to help protect you.  MPO’s can include instructions such as prohibiting the offender from having any face-to-face, telephone, or other contact with you.  They can also, for example, bar him or her from place where you work, live, or visit.  If you feel unsafe, report the assault and make sure your commander is aware of your safety concerns.

 I was assaulted by someone in my chain of command; how do I report the assault?

 You have other options for reporting the assault to the Military.  You may report the assault to:

·        Someone else in your chain of command

·        Medical Treatment Facility

·        Dept. of Army Police

·        Chaplain

·        Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

·        Social Work Services

·        Family Advocacy

·        Legal Services 

If you are not comfortable reporting the assault yourself, ask a friend or family member to report it.  The military is committed to investigating all incidents of sexual assault no matter the circumstances.  Your safety and the safety and readiness of your unit depend upon you reporting the assault.

 Reporting Options

There are two types of reports that a victim can select from: Unrestricted and Restricted.

Unrestricted Reporting

Unrestricted Reporting is the military’s preferred method of reporting sexual assaults because it provides the widest latitude to help and protect victims and take action against offenders to prevent future assaults.  Through unrestricted reporting, details regarding the incident are kept confidential and are only disclosed on a “need-to-know” basis.  Unrestricted reporting triggers the investigative process so that offenders may be held accountable and the safety of the victim and the unit are ensured. 

Restricted Reporting

Restricted Reporting is a new option that the military offers to soldiers who are victims of sexual assault.  Through restricted reporting, details regarding the incident may not be disclosed to anyone without the victim’s permission, including commanders and military police investigators.  Restricted reporting does not trigger the military investigative process. 

The limitations of restricted reporting include that the assailant remains at large and unpunished, evidence from the crime scene may be lost, and victims are unable to discuss the assault with other service members without jeopardizing the confidentiality of the restricted report.
 

Regardless of which method of reporting victims select, all victims of sexual assault may receive: 

·         Medical Treatment*

·         Sexual Assault Forensic Examination*

·         Advocacy Services

·         Counseling Assistance

*Victims who receive medical treatment and/or a sexual assault forensic examination off-base are required to make an initial report to civilian police.

Individuals who select Unrestricted Reporting also benefit from:

·         Victim safety measures, such as Military Protective Orders

·         Delayed disciplinary measures against victims for related offenses

·         A full investigation that allows for crime scene evidence collection, witness interviews, etc.

·         May encourage other victims to come forward

·         Enhanced community safety

 Info for Civilians

Currently the Restricted Reporting option is not available to civilians, but the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program office can still be a valuable resource to civilian victims of sexual assault.  The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator can provide referrals for private therapy, group counseling, legal advice, and more.

The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator has no duty to report civilian victims of sexual assault to military police, unless the assault occurred on installation grounds. 

For more information about reporting options, contact the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator listed on the top of the page.

 Source: www.sexualassault.army.mil