Reporting options protect privacy for sexual assault victims

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Understanding sexual assault reporting guidelines and options can help victims receive essential medical care, counseling and confidence while ensuring their rights are respected.

Airmen have two options when reporting sexual assaults - restricted and unrestricted.

Unrestricted reporting occurs when any report of sexual assault is made through normal reporting channels, including the victim's chain of command, law enforcement and the Office of Special Investigations.

Unrestricted reporting will spark a full criminal investigation. Details of an allegation will be provided to those with a legitimate need to know. Unrestricted reporting will allow law enforcement officials to properly investigate the allegations, which may lead to bringing an offender to justice.

The sexual assault response coordinator will be notified, and a victim's advocate will be assigned to help the victim through the legal investigation and medical treatment and counseling.

In contrast, restricted reporting will not spark a criminal investigation. A restricted report occurs when a victim reports a sexual assault to medical personnel, a chaplain or the sexual assault response coordinator.

Restricted reporting ensures victims will get the medical counseling and treatment they need while respecting their preferences regarding the pursuit of an investigation.

Statistics show that less than 20 percent of sexual assaults involving military victims are reported, said Nancy Pike, 4th Fighter Wing sexual assault response coordinator.

Many victims forego medical treatment and counseling because they do not want to become involved in a criminal investigation. Some victims prefer to avoid the potential stigma, shame or fear associated with their involvement in a sexual assault. Additionally, military victims are often afraid of the possibility their actions will lead to misconduct punishments under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, said Mrs. Pike.

"Restricted reporting allows the victim additional time to process all that has happened and gives them increased control over the release and management of their personal information," said Mrs. Pike. "This also empowers the victim to seek out relevant information and support to make more informed decisions about participating in the criminal investigation."

Regardless of the reporting option, a victim advocate will be assigned to support and assist all sexual assault victims.

"A victim advocate provides support to the victim while they struggle to manage the crisis of a sexual assault," said Mrs. Pike.

In addition to lending emotional support, victim advocates also provide information and counseling about the criminal justice system, medical concerns and recovery issues. At the victim's request, a victim advocate will attend investigative interviews, medical examinations and follow-up appointments.

A victim advocate is always on-call, 24-hours a day, to assist victims of sexual assault. They will continue to provide assistance until the victim no longer feels a need for support.

"Sexual assault is a crime that goes against the core values of the Air Force," said Mrs. Pike. "It really tears at the fabric and the morale of an organization."
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Active-duty Airmen interested in becoming a victim's advocate may contact the sexual assault and prevention office at 722-0155.

If you have been sexually assaulted or think you have been: 

· Go to a safe location away from the attacker. 

· Contact your local sexual assault response coordinator, victim advocate or healthcare provider. 

· Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if there are no visible physical injuries, you may be at risk of becoming pregnant or acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. 
        · Ask the healthcare provider to conduct a sexual assault forensic examination.
        · If you suspect you have been drugged, request that a urine sample be collected. 

· Preserve all evidence of the assault. Do not bathe, wash your hands or brush your teeth. Do not clean or straighten up the crime scene. 

· Write down, tape or record by any other means all the details you can recall about the assault and your assailant.