Department of the Army Civilians can file Restricted reports, which allow them to confidentially disclose a sexual assault to a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or Victim Advocate without notifying command or law enforcement. Although perhaps not widely known, the policy went into effect in 2024. The victim is eligible for medical treatment to meet their immediate needs, counseling, chaplain services, legal advocacy and victim advocacy.
While Army Civilian complaints of sexual harassment are handled through the Equal Employment Opportunity Office, the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program is responsible for directing efforts to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and sexual assault and now provides services to Army Civilians who are victims of sexual assault. Previously, the only reporting option available for Army Civilians was the Unrestricted reporting option, which requires command notification, law enforcement reporting and an official investigation. That is no longer the case.
“The Restricted reporting option for Army Civilians allows us to offer them many of the same services that are available to Soldiers,” said Stacey Hale, former SHARP Plans and Operations Branch Chief.
“Army Civilians who are sexually assaulted may be more likely to file a report because the Restricted option is available to them, their Commander will not be notified and supportive services will be available to them.”
Access to critical services to support their healing journey is available without having to go through an investigation or adjudication or having others in the unit know about the sexual assault. These changes remove barriers that discouraged the reporting of sexual assaults by providing newly available victim assistance and reporting opportunities to Army Civilians.
According to Hale, a Restricted report can be filed even if the sexual assault has been previously disclosed to command by the victim, suspect or third party; reported to law enforcement by anyone other than the victim; or if an investigation has been initiated, is in progress or has been closed. A Restricted report cannot be filed in a case where the victim personally reported the incident to law enforcement or previously filed an Unrestricted report and signed a Victim Reporting Preference Statement (DD Form 2910). A Restricted report can be changed to an Unrestricted report at any time; however, an Unrestricted report cannot be changed to a Restricted report.
In 2024, there were 265,000 employees in the Army’s workforce, serving in more than 500 career paths, according to the Department of the Army. Some commands have a relatively small Army Civilian employee population, while others are made up entirely of Army Civilians.
“Making the decision to report a sexual assault is difficult. If they make it to a SARC or VA, it’s huge,” said Hale.
“They are placing a great deal of trust in the individual to whom they disclose; that SHARP professional will assist them as they navigate the medical, legal and justice systems. It’s our duty and honor to provide these services.”
SARCs and VAs are available and can provide responsive care and services for Survivors of sexual violence. For more information, visit the SHARP program webpage: https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/sharp/.
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