In the event of potential sexual assault, who may a service member confide in while filing a restricted report?

When a service member confides in a Uniformed Victim Advocate (UVA) while filing a restricted report for a potential sexual assault, they are ensured confidentiality and support that is specifically designed for individuals in such situations. The key purpose of the restricted reporting option is to provide the victim the opportunity to receive medical care, counseling, and support services without initiating an official investigation or notifying the chain of command.

The UVA is specially trained to handle these cases sensitively and ensure the victim understands their rights and options without pressure to disclose more than they wish to. This can empower the victim to seek the help they need while preserving their control over the situation.

Conversely, confiding in the chain of command or combat leadership may lead to mandatory reporting, which could initiate an investigation immediately and strip the victim of their choice regarding how to proceed. This underscores the specialized role of the UVA in safeguarding the victim's privacy and ensuring the process is as empowering as possible.