The Air Force has instituted two avenues for victims to report a 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. Restricted Reports must be made to either the SARC, a Victim Advocate, Medical Personnel at your MTF ONLY. The Restricted Reporting option is available to active duty military, dependents 18 and older, AF Reserve and ANG member in Title 10 status, AF civilian employees (appropriated and non-appropriated) ONLY. If an individual makes a restricted report, they are eligible to receive the following services:
o Medical care
o Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kit
o SARC/VA
o Special Victim’s Counsel (SVC)
o Counseling
Unrestricted Reporting triggers an investigation of the subject and both the victim and subject’s commanders are notified. Unrestricted reports can be made to the SARC, a victim advocate, anyone in your chain of command, Security Forces, or Air Force Office of Special Investigation (OSI). If an individual makes an Unrestricted Report, they are eligible to receive the following services:
o Medical care
o Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kit
o SARC/VA
o Special Victim’s Counsel (SVC)
o Counseling
o Protective Orders (military/civilian)
o Expedited Transfer (Active Duty only)
* Note: Independent Reporting is an assault reported to Security Force/OSI by someone other than the victim.