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Survivors of sexual assault in the U.S. military have access to a structured reporting process designed to provide support, medical care, and legal assistance while allowing them to choose between confidential and non-confidential reporting options. While the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps each manage their own Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) programs, the fundamental reporting options and resources remain consistent across all branches.
Understanding Your Reporting Options
Military service members and their adult dependents (18 and older) have two primary reporting options when disclosing a sexual assault: Restricted Reporting and Unrestricted Reporting. Each option provides different levels of confidentiality and triggers different actions.
Unrestricted Reporting
An Unrestricted Report initiates an official law enforcement investigation and notifies the survivor’s chain of command. While confidentiality cannot be fully maintained, this option provides access to all available military support services and ensures that the case is investigated. Survivors who choose this option receive:
- Advocacy Services (support, information, referrals, and accompaniment)
- Medical and Mental Health Care
- Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC) – legal representation for survivors
- Law Enforcement Investigation (Military Criminal Investigative Organizations, or MCIOs)
- Command Support and Assistance
- Military Protective Orders (MPOs)
- Eligibility for an Expedited Transfer (relocation for survivor safety)
Restricted Reporting
A Restricted Report allows a survivor to confidentially disclose the assault without triggering an investigation or notifying the chain of command. This option enables survivors to receive care and advocacy services without concern that their case will automatically move forward within the military justice system. Survivors who choose this option can access:
- Advocacy Services (support, information, referrals, and accompaniment)
- Medical and Mental Health Care
- Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC)
Restricted Reports can be converted to Unrestricted Reports at any time, but once an Unrestricted Report is filed, it cannot be changed to Restricted.
Where to File a Report
Service members can disclose a Restricted Report to:
- Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
- SAPR Victim Advocate (VA)
- Chaplains
- Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC)
- In some cases, healthcare providers, unless mandatory reporting laws apply.
To file an Unrestricted Report, survivors may disclose the sexual assault to:
- SAPR Victim Advocate (VA)
- Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
- Military Criminal Investigative Organizations (MCIOs) (NCIS, CID, OSI, CGIS)
- Healthcare Personnel
- Chaplains
- Victims’ Legal Counsel (VLC)
- Chain of Command
Branch-Specific Considerations
While the reporting process is consistent across all branches, each service has specific policies regarding victim support and investigations:
- U.S. Army – The Army’s SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention) Program integrates sexual assault prevention and response efforts.
- U.S. Navy – The Navy SAPR program provides support through the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) and offers Expedited Transfers to survivors who need to relocate for safety.
- U.S. Marine Corps – Marines can access SAPR services through Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) and may be eligible for expanded restricted reporting under certain conditions.
- U.S. Air Force – The Air Force SAPR program includes Expedited Transfers and additional mental health support programs tailored to survivors.
Additional Resources for Survivors
Regardless of branch, survivors have access to DoD-wide resources that provide confidential support and information:
- DoD Safe Helpline – 1-877-995-5247 or visit Safehelpline.org (24/7 confidential support)
- Military OneSource – 1-800-342-9647 or visit Militaryonesource.mil
- National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org
Seeking Justice and Support
Every military member has the right to confidential support, advocacy, and legal resources. The SAPR program in each branch is designed to assist survivors in making informed choices about their recovery and justice process. Survivors are encouraged to reach out to SAPR professionals to discuss their options and find the best path forward.
For more information, visit the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) at www.sapr.mil.