New reporting options give sexual assault victims control Published Oct. 19, 2005 By Crystal Toenjes 72nd ABW Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFMCNS) -- Sexual assault is not about sex, it's about power, and a new way for Airmen to report sexual assaults or attempted assaults is about giving power back to victims."We are now able to offer active-duty military members the option of making a restricted report, which means the victim has total power over releasing information," said Michelle Loughlin, Tinker's sexual assault response coordinator. "No investigation is launched, no notifications are made, it is totally confidential."When a restricted report is made, Ms. Loughlin will inform the 72nd Air Base Wing vice commander but only give him information regarding the age and sex of the person who made the report and whether or not the assault happened on or off base. Information such as the person's name, unit and specifics of what happened will only be given to law enforcement if and when the victim decides to file an unrestricted report and pursue charges."The most important thing to remember is this is all about confidentiality," Ms. Loughlin said. "It truly is about getting the victims the help they need and deserve."She added that the option of a restricted report could be especially useful for someone who was assaulted weeks, months or even a year earlier where there is no need to collect immediate forensic evidence."It's especially appropriate for those who are at the point where they're not sure they want to pursue any kind of charges but they do need some assistance in processing this, in getting counseling, getting linked up with resources," she said.One of those resources are trained victim advocates who ensure the individual is treated in a dignified, respectful and considerate manner by all staff. The advocate does not provide any type of legal or mental health counseling, but does support the individual through the initial response, investigation, legal proceedings and the recovery process. The victim advocate can be involved as much or as little as the victim wants.The Air Force is also taking a proactive stance, mandating that 100 percent of active-duty Airmen be trained in sexual assault prevention by Nov. 1.The new training includes a professionally produced 55-minute video that depicts an acquaintance rape and the aftermath from the perspective of the offender, the victim and three bystanders.It is estimated that nearly 80 percent of sexual assaults occur between people who know one another.In a message to commanders about the new training, Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, Air Force deputy chief of staff for Personnel, describes sexual assault as a "phenomenon that hurts all Airmen and puts the mission at risk."When it happens to an Airman, male or female, it affects every aspect of their lives, their families, their friends, their units; and it impacts our readiness," he said.According to the FBI, sexual assault is the most underreported of all crimes, and one in four women will be victims of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault."I want every Airman to know what sexual assault is and how to report it," said former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper, introducing the video. "I want commanders and supervisors to support a policy and foster a climate that encourages reporting and cares for victims when they do report. I want commanders to take appropriate action when sexual assault has occurred. If you are or have been a victim of sexual assault, I want you to report it, and I want you to get assistance."Our common Airman culture must be one of mutual respect and support," he continued. "This is about living by our core values and respecting each other. It's about being a good wingman."