Thursday, May 22, 2014

TOP STORY>>Sexual-assault reporting procedures

By Senior Airman Kaylee Clark
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Reporting a case of sexual assault carries a stigma that the case may or may not be investigated.

Service members and military dependents 18 years and older who have been sexually assaulted have two reporting options: unrestricted or restricted reporting. There are many myths regarding sexual assault reporting options that can be dispelled by understanding the process.

Unrestricted Reporting

This reporting option triggers an investigation, command notification, and allows a person who has been sexually assaulted to access medical treatment and counseling. When a sexual assault is reported through unrestricted reporting, a sexual assault response coordinator shall be notified. The SARC can respond or direct a sexual assault prevention and response victim’s advocate to respond, assign a SAPR VA, and offer the victim health care treatment and a sexual assault forensic examination. The completed DD Form 2701, which sets out victims’ rights and points of contact, shall be distributed to the victim in unrestricted reporting cases by DOD law enforcement agents. If a victim elects this reporting option, he/she may not change from an unrestricted to a restricted report.

Restricted Reporting

This reporting option does NOT trigger an investigation. The command is notified that “an alleged sexual assault” occurred, but is not given the victim’s name or other personally identifying information. Restricted reporting allows sexual assault victims to confidentially disclose the assault to specified individuals (SARC, SAPR VA or health care personnel) and receive health care treatment and the assignment of a SARC and SAPR VA. The restricted reporting option is only available to service members and adult military dependents.

Restricted reporting may not remain an option in a jurisdiction that requires mandatory reporting, or if a victim first reports to a civilian facility or civilian authority, which will vary by state, territory, and overseas agreements. If a victim elects this reporting option, a victim may change from a restricted report to an unrestricted report. In the state of Arkansas, mandatory reporting is only required if knife or gunshot wounds are involved in the assault.

One of the convoluted subjects when discussing reporting options is mandatory reporters. Anyone in a supervisory chain of command is a mandatory reporter. When a mandatory reporter is informed of a sexual assault incident, it must become an unrestricted report. Victims are encouraged to seek assistance in reporting sexual assault from the SARC, a SAPR VA, chaplain or health care professional. These individuals can help the victim navigate through their reporting options differently than a mandatory reporter.

Only the SARC, SAPR VA and health care personnel are authorized to accept a restricted report. The person filing a restricted report shall immediately call a SARC or SAPR VA to assure that the victim is offered SAPR services and that a DD Form 2910 can be completed.

“The Department of Defense and the Air Force are committed to ensuring victims of sexual assault are protected, treated with dignity and respect, and provided support, advocacy and care,” said Linda Benjamin, a 19th Airlift Wing SAPR VA. “To achieve these objectives, we recommend unrestricted reporting to activate victim services and accountability responses.”

Sexual assault of a spouse or intimate partner is domestic violence. Family Advocacy is available to assist civilian (employees and family members) and active-duty members who are harmed in a relationship. Restricted and unrestricted reporting options are available. There is a Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate available 24/7 at (501) 707-3379. The DAVA is able to accompany civilian and active-duty individuals to interviews, court hearing, appointments, etc. Individual, couples, child and family therapy services are available. To reach the Family Advocacy Officer during duty hours, can (501) 987-7377.

For anyone requiring assistance including restricted reporting call the 24/7 hotline number (501)987-7272.

Read more about unrestricted and restricted reporting at http://www.littlerock.af.mil/library/

No comments: