Service members have reporting options that do not exist in civilian life, including a confidential report that does not start an investigation. This guide explains the two reporting paths, the support available under each, and the outside help that is open to anyone.
Reviewed by Survivor Justice Alliance · Updated 2026-10-21
In the military, the people who supervise your work also control your housing, your assignments and your career. That is why the Department of Defense built a separate system for reporting sexual assault. It is designed to let a survivor get care first and decide about an investigation later.
According to the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, Unrestricted Reporting lets a victim report without requesting confidentiality. Department law enforcement starts an investigation, the chain of command is notified, and the victim can receive healthcare, advocacy, legal support and be eligible for an expedited transfer. It also allows a victim to report retaliation within the program.
Restricted Reporting lets an adult victim confidentially report to specified individuals without starting an investigation. Information given to the chain of command does not reveal personally identifying details about the victim or the alleged offender. A Restricted Report still allows legal advice, medical and mental healthcare, and advocacy services.
The department also runs a program called CATCH, which lets people anonymously submit information about a suspect to help identify repeat offenders.
The office lists services that are available no matter which option is chosen, or even if no report is filed: advocacy from a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or victim advocate, healthcare and mental healthcare, a sexual assault forensic examination, consultation with a Special Victims' Counsel or Victims' Legal Counsel, chaplain support, and safety assessments.
Retaliation for reporting is prohibited. The department states that adult victims who filed an Unrestricted Report, their family members, bystanders who intervened, witnesses and responders can file a retaliation report. Civilian employees are directed to equal employment, inspector general or human resources channels instead.
Keep copies somewhere outside government systems you might lose access to, if it is safe to do so.
Safe Helpline provides confidential support for the military community 24/7 at 877-995-5247. RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline is available to anyone at 800-656-4673. A Special Victims' Counsel or Victims' Legal Counsel can explain your legal options within the military system. Questions about claims outside the military system are best taken to a licensed civilian attorney.
The Survivor Justice Alliance is a civil-justice information resource, not a law firm; nothing here is legal advice. Attorney advertising. Support is available 24/7 at the RAINN hotline, 800-656-4673.
The Department of Defense describes the two options separately and publishes a Victim Reporting Options Guide. A Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or victim advocate can explain how and when a report can be converted.
No. The department lists healthcare, mental healthcare and advocacy as available under either option, and says response personnel are available even if no report is filed.
Safe Helpline serves the military community, including service members leaving the military and people supporting survivors. RAINN's hotline is open to everyone.