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Sexual assault is an underreported crime, meaning it occurs more
often than it is reported to appropriate authorities. While the
Department prefers that sexual assault incidents are reported to
the command to hold offenders appropriately accountable, it recognizes
that some victims desire only healthcare and advocacy services and do
not want command or law enforcement involvement. The
Department believes its first priority is for warfighters to be
treated with dignity and respect and to receive the medical treatment,
mental health counseling, and the advocacy services they need to
recover.
Under the Department's SAPR Policy, Service members and their
adult military dependents and Department civilian employees have
two reporting options: Unrestricted Reporting and Restricted
Reporting. Regardless of which reporting option is chosen, or if no
report is filed, there are
dedicated response personnel
available to provide advocacy, information, and resources to victims
of sexual assault. More information is available in the
Victim Reporting Options Guide.
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Unrestricted Reports gives victims of sexual assault the opportunity to
report crimes without requesting confidentiality of
their allegations. Department law enforcement
initiates an investigation, and the chain of command
is notified. Unrestricted Reporting allows victims to
receive healthcare (medical and mental health),
advocacy services, legal support, and eligibility for
Expedited Transfer. In addition, Unrestricted
Reporting allows victims of sexual assault to report
retaliation in the SAPR program.
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Restricted Reports
allow adult victims of sexual assault to
confidentially report the crime to specified
individuals without triggering an investigation.
Information provided to the chain of command does not
reveal personally identifying information about the
victim or alleged offender. Restricted Reporting
allows the victim to receive legal advice, healthcare
(medical and mental health), and advocacy services.
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