Understanding Consent

  • Published
  • By Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Most people understand that a sexual assault occurs when one person forces another person to have sex. However, under military law, force may not be necessary when alcohol is involved because a person who is incapacitated cannot consent.

The Department of Defense is committed to providing comprehensive response and care to victims of sexual assault. DoD policy provides two reporting options to military victims: restricted reporting and unrestricted reporting. Victims can receive support, medical care, counseling and a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination regardless of which option is chosen.

Restricted reporting provides a victim the opportunity to confidentially disclose a sexual assault to specified individuals, receive medical treatment and use support services without triggering the investigative process. When a restricted report is made through proper channels, a victim's identity is not released to command officials. The installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, victim advocates, health care providers and chaplains may receive a restricted report. This option gives victims additional time to weigh their options and to seek guidance about whether or not to participate in a criminal investigation.

An unrestricted report initiates an official investigation of a sexual assault using standard reporting channels. Victims can receive the same medical care and resources available in the restricted option, but this option immediately alerts law enforcement and initiates the criminal investigative process. Under this option, a victim's commander is notified. SARCs and VAs advise victims on the different reporting options available, explain the benefits and limitations of each, and document the reporting option selected.

A victim must acknowledge his or her reporting preference on a special form, provided by a SARC or VA. Note that while a restricted report can be changed to an unrestricted report, one cannot change preference selection from an unrestricted report to restricted because the investigative process has already begun.

Both reporting options help DoD mobilize resources to assist the victim and allow commanders to develop a better understanding of and response to sexual assault occurring in their command. Additional information on sexual assault and reporting options is available from your installation SARC, at 424-1098.