SARC: restricted reporting and medical care policy change

  • Published
  • By Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calf. --  Sexual assault continues to be one of the most underreported violent crimes in America today. It is a challenge to our nation, and the military is not immune to this challenge. 

To combat this societal issue, the Department of Defense established in June 2005 the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, which incorporates a comprehensive policy that reinforces a culture of prevention, response and accountability. The program also gives servicemembers two different reporting options - unrestricted and restricted reporting. 

Previously military medical providers were a part of the restricted resporting process without exception. However, due to a recent Air Force Surgeon General policy change, Air Force healthcare providers must now comply with the state laws in the state for which they provide medical services. That said, the State of California is a mandatory reporting state (see Cal. Penal code §§ 11160-11163.2.). 

This means that David Grant USAF Medical Center healthcare providers are required to immediately notify law enforcement when they're aware of or suspect a sexual assault. Under California State law, counseling services (such as DGMC Mental Health Clinic) are excluded from mandated reporting and as such restricted reporting is available when using counseling support. 

Based on the above policy change and in order to protect the restricted reporting option, servicemembers located in the State of California must now contact one of the following: the installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Chaplain, Mental Health provider, or a Victim Advocate. 

As a reminder, restricted reporting allows victims to confidentially receive counseling and support without automatically triggering a criminal investigation. This reporting option provides victims with more control over the release of their personal information and affords them additional time to weigh their options and seek guidance about whether or not to participate in a criminal investigation. 

An unrestricted report initiates an official investigation of an alleged sexual assault using current reporting channels, chain of command or investigative authorities. An unrestricted report is usually initiated by the victim but can be as a result of a third party informing command or investigative authorities. Victims are offered medical care, counseling and other support services along with command support. 

Regardless of unrestricted or restricted reporting options, or if law enforcement is notified or not notified ... medical care is extremely important. Consider this: even if he or she does not have any visible physical injuries, the victim may be at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection with female victims also at risk of becoming pregnant. A victim should seek medical care as soon as possible; his or her health and well-being are priority number one. 

Contact the Travis SARC office at 424-1098 or the 24/7 response line at 424-7272 if you have any questions or would like to discuss options and/or available resources for medical care and counseling.