Reporting Options
“Sexual assault” is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes rape, forcible sodomy, and other unwanted indecent contact (e.g., kissing against another person’s will) that is aggravated, abusive, or wrongful (to include unwanted and inappropriate sexual contact), or attempts to commit these acts.
Restricted Reporting: The Restricted Reporting option may be used to disclose to specific individuals on a confidential basis that he or she is the victim of a sexual assault. If the assault has been disclosed to ONLY a SARC, Victim Advocate (VA), or Health Care Provider (HCP), it shall not be reported to the chain of command or law enforcement, unless the victim consents or an established exception is exercised under COMDTINST M1754.10 (series). A member may only receive limited support services by choosing the restricted reporting option (medical care, legal assistance, advocacy support, and collection of evidence for safekeeping).
Unrestricted Reporting: The Unrestricted Reporting option may be used to disclose an incident to a member’s chain of command that he or she is the victim of a sexual assault. Under the Unrestricted Reporting option, the victim’s report to command authorities or to a SARC, VA, HCP, or anyone else, shall be reported to law enforcement. A member may receive full support services by choosing the unrestricted reporting option (investigation, medical, legal, advocacy support, expedited transfer, military or civilian protection order, and collection of evidence for safekeeping.
OTHER AREAS OF CONSIDERATION
- Coast Guard members (outside of the identified confidential reporting parties) are mandatory reporters of sexual assault. Anyone desiring to report their incident should strongly consider speaking to a SARC or VA to ensure your options are protected.
- If an incident is Unrestricted, against the expressed desire of the victim they are not required to participate in the investigation.
- Civilian healthcare facilities in the state of California are required by state law to report sexual assaults to law enforcement. Please be advised if you seek medical treatment in a civilian healthcare facility and disclose a sexual assault, you may lose your option to file a Restricted report.