Sexual Assault For the purpose of this Directive and SAPR awareness training and education, the term "sexual assault" is defined as 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 Uniform Code of Military Justice offenses: rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, abusive sexual contact, forcible sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or attempts to commit these acts.

 24/7 Sexual Assault Support Line: 843-963-7272

Consent
"Consent" is defined as 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 one accuses use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating relationship by itself 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.

Restricted Reporting: Restricted reporting allows individuals to confidentially disclose the crime to specifically identified individuals and receive medical treatment and services without triggering the official investigative process. The Restricted Reporting option is ONLY available to active duty military, dependents 18 and older, AF Reserve and ANG member in Title 10 status, AF civilian employees (appropriated and non-appropriated). Members who are sexually assaulted and desire restricted reporting under this policy must report the assault to a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate (VA), or a healthcare personnel.

At the victim's discretion/request appropriately trained healthcare personnel shall conduct a sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE). Requested forensic examinations will take place at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

Effective 10 Nov 21, there is expanded eligibility to file a Restricted Report when:

• Victim did not personally report the sexual assault incident to law enforcement, to include MCIOs, and they did not previously elect to make an Unrestricted Report by signing a DD Form 2910, with a SARC/SAPR VA on the same sexual assault incident – they can file a Restricted Report even if they disclosed the sexual assault incident to their commander or to personnel in the chain of command.

• There is an ongoing MCIO investigation into the sexual assault incident initiated by a third party and not due to the victim’s disclosure to law enforcement, or the MCIO investigation into the sexual assault incident has been closed.

Unrestricted Reporting: Unrestricted reporting triggers an investigation in which both party's commanders are notified.  Unrestricted reports can be made to the SARC, a victim advocate, anyone in your chain of command, Security Forces, or Air Force Office of Special Investigation (OSI).

Independent Reporting is an assault reported to Security Force/OSI by someone other than the victim.

Available Services for all reports:

The following services are available for all reporting options: Medical treatment, Forensic Exam, Counseling Services, Safety Planning, Victim Advocate, Victim's Counsel (VC), Continued support.

Additional Services available for Unrestricted Reporting Only: Request for Expedited Transfer, Investigation by OSI, Command Notification

Safe Helpline 
Make the Connection 
National Sexual Violence Research Center 
Military One Source 

Below are program support services for victims of sexual assault:

• One-on-one direct interpersonal support
• Crisis intervention
• Referral and ongoing support
• Initial Responses
• Provide support during investigative, legal and recovery process (if unrestricted)
• Information available on resource option (on- and off-base)
• Informed decision regarding restricted and unrestricted reporting