Some people look at those higher numbers and say that 'it's not good'. But it is good because that means people are getting the help they need and feeling safer about the reporting process. People want to feel safe, and that's why we have victim advocates on base. |
The restricted reporting process enables the victim to get themselves together, understand the process, learn what will happen if they go unrestricted and learn what initiating the investigation will mean for them. In the meantime, they are getting all the support they need. |
The victim also couldn't request a transfer. And if they had to work with the alleged perpetrator, that could bring more trauma or victimization. |
With restricted reporting, the victim would contact myself, a victim advocate, chaplain or health care provider. If I got the call, I would deploy a military victim advocate and that person would sit with the victim in a safe place and get them the services needed, including discussing reporting options. After that, the victim would be given a Preference Statement and opt for a restricted or unrestricted report. With a restricted report, there would be no identifying information. |