The Air Force has instituted new avenues for reporting sexual assault in the form of Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting. Restricted Reporting allows a victim to report a Sexual Assault 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.
Unrestricted Reporting
-Commander will be notified.
- An investigation will take place.
- Victim Advocate will attend to the victim's needs and provide supportive, advocacy services.
- Victim receives (if desired) medical treatment, forensic evidence collection, free and confidential legal advice/representation through the Victims' Counsel, counseling via Mental Health and/or Chaplain, off-base referrals.
- Victim cannot convert from unrestricted to restricted at any point in time.
Restricted Reporting
- Confidentiality protected while services extended.
- Chain of Command is not notified.
- An investigation does not take place.
- Victim Advocate will attend to the victim's needs and provide supportive, advocacy services
- Victim receives (if desired) medical treatment, forensic evidence collection, free and confidential legal advice/representation through the Special Victims' Counsel, counseling via Mental Health and/or Chaplain, off-base referrals.
- Victims can always convert a restricted report to an unrestricted report at any time.
Independent Reporting is an assault reported by someone other than the victim.
-If a victim tells any member of law enforcement an Independent Investigation will take place; if the victim desires to formally report then the only option is an unrestricted report. If a victim tells a member of their command, then an Independent Investigation will take place; if the victim desires to formally report then they will have the option to file either a restricted or unrestricted report.
- If a victim tells a friend who in turn notifies law enforcement of their chain of command then an Independent Investigation will take place; if the victim desires to formally report they will have the option of a restricted or unrestricted report.
- To preserve a victim's right to restricted reporting, contact the SAPR office first.
* MANDATORY REPORTERS*
- Direct Chain of Command (Unit CC, First Sergeant, Superintendent, direct supervisor/rater)
- Any member of Law Enforcement (AFOSI, SFS)
*Fellow airmen, co-workers or senior members of the unit who are NOT in the direct chain of command are NOT considered a mandatory reporter and are encouraged to accompany the victim to the SAPR office or call the Hotline to seek information.