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 is any report of sexual assault made through normal reporting channels (for example: reports to chain of command, security forces, and/or Air Force Office of Investigation). All active duty members, dependents 18 and older and civilians who have independent access to the base are eligible.
Police investigation will ensue and commander will be notified by SARC in a private and confidential manner. Your Information will be handled discreetly by your commander and those with an official need to know. SARC will intervene and will be actively involved to help with your needs. You will receive: medical care, evidence collected, victim advocate and legal assistance. Your report CANNOT go Restricted.
Restricted Reporting 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 reporting is available to active duty military and dependents 18 and older, and civilian employees. For confidentiality, your report will be taken by the SARC, who will not contact police or your commander. Evidence can be collected, and you will receive medical care, a victim advocate and legal assistance. This report CAN go Unrestricted at any time.
The CATCH Program gives people making a Restricted Report an opportunity to anonymously disclose suspect information to help the Department of Defense identify serial offenders. CATCH allows sexual assault victims (Service members and adult dependents) to discover if the suspect in their Restricted Report may have also assaulted another person (a "match" in the CATCH website), and having that knowledge, decide whether to convert their Restricted Report to Unrestricted to initiate an investigation of the serial offender suspect. For more information, contact your local Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC).