Sexual Assault is intentional sexual contact characterized by use of force, threats, intimidation, or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. The term includes a broad category of sexual offenses consisting of the following specific UCMJ offenses: rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit any of these acts. Sexual Assault is criminal conduct that falls well short of the standards America expects of its men and women in uniform and is a violation of our Air Force Core Values.

Consent is words or overt acts indicating a freely given agreement to the sexual conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the accused's use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating relationship or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the sexual conduct at issue shall not constitute consent. There is no consent where the person is sleeping or incapacitated, such as due to age, alcohol or drugs, or mental incapacity.

The Air Force is committed to ensuring sexual assault survivors are protected, treated with dignity and respect, and provided support, advocacy and care. To achieve these objectives, the Air Force offers two (2) reporting options:Restricted. and :Unrestricted Reporting.

Restricted Reporting allows survivors of sexual assault to confidentially disclose the assault to specified individuals* and receive medical treatment, to include emergency care, counseling, legal advice and advocacy without triggering an investigation. Restricted reporting is intended to remove barriers to medical care and support while allowing the survivor increased time and control over the release and management of personal information. It allows a survivor the opportunity to review available resources and the criminal process, in order to make a most informed decision. *(http://www.af.mil/SAPR/SAPRSelfHelp/Help10.aspx)

Restricted Reporting is available to:
- Active Duty members and their dependents, 18 years of age & older (who are eligible for treatment in the military health system)
- Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members in Title 10 status
- Air Force civilian employees

Unrestricted Reporting allows survivors of sexual assault to disclose the assault in order to initiate the official investigation process. This disclosure is typically made via reporting channels, such as Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), security forces, or the survivor’s chain of command and will include command notification. Survivors electing unrestricted reporting are eligible to receive medical treatment, to include emergency care, counseling, legal advice and advocacy, in addition to command support and an official investigation.

Unrestricted Reporting is available to:
- Active Duty members and their dependents, 18 years of age & older (who are eligible for treatment in the military health system)
- Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members in Title 10 status
- Air Force civilian employees and their dependents, 18 years of age & older (OCONUS)
- DoD contractor personnel assigned to contingency operations OCONUS

Independent Investigations occur when an assault is brought to attention by someone other than the survivor and the assault is reported to a Military Criminal Investigation Organization (MCIO) and an official investigation is initiated.

To learn more about reporting sexual assault, please visit http://www.af.mil/SAPR/SAPRSelfHelp.aspx.