Victims' Counsel (VC) serves as a sexual assault victim's personal attorney at Air Force expense. They are active duty judge advocates whose sole role is to represent victims in a confidential, attorney-client relationship, throughout the investigation and prosecution processes.

By federal law, Air Force VCs are only authorized to provide legal assistance to:

• All Air Force Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard victims, who are in Title 10 status at the time of the offense, and report they are a victim of a sexual assault under the UCMJ or state and federal laws criminalizing sexual assault.
• All adult dependents of active duty military personnel from any branch, who file an unrestricted report that they are the victim of sexual assault under the UCMJ, when an Air Force commander may exercise jurisdiction over the alleged offender.
• All Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard victims, who are in a Title 10 status at the time of the offense, and file an unrestricted report that they are the victim of sexual assault under the UCMJ, when an Air Force commander may exercise jurisdiction over the alleged offender.

Additional information about the NCR VC Program can be found at the following link: 
VC Program Information

The VC can be reached at 240-612-4655, through the SAPR office at 301-981-1443, or via the SAPR Hotline at 301-981-7272.

• If you have been the victim of sexual assault, you don't have to be alone!
• The assault was NOT your fault. You did not cause it to happen.
• People are here to help. We are committed to supporting you and your family members in the most sensitive and private way possible.
• There is no "right way" to deal with sexual assault. It is okay to be angry and stand up for yourself as you are ready. SAPR program personnel can put you in touch with all the resources and assistance available to you.
• Take care of yourself and ask for what you need.
• You can report an assault at any time, though immediately is best for evidence collection purposes (evidence may still be collected for several days after the incident). Try to seek medical attention before washing, cleaning up, or changing clothes. If you do change clothes, bring soiled clothing in a paper bag -- not plastic.
• Never hesitate to get help.

Restricted Reporting

• Enables eligible personnel to report sexual harassment and access advocacy services without initiating an investigation.
• Facilitates access to medical care, counseling, legal services, and a victim advocate but does not initiate the investigative process.

Unrestricted Report

• Enables eligible personnel to report sexual harassment and initiate and investigation.
• Initiates investigative process through the Equal Opportunity Office (the SAPR Office does not handle the investigation).
• Facilitates access to medical care, counseling, legal services, and a victim advocate but does not initiate the investigative process.

The SAPR Office can provide additional detail and clarification on reporting options.

Restricted Reporting

• Enables military members, dependents (18+) and DoD Air Force civilian employees who are victims to report allegations of sexual assault to specified personnel without initiating an investigation. Specified personnel include the SARC/SAPR VA or Volunteer Victim Advocates. While chaplains and military healthcare providers have confidentiality/privilege, they cannot take a Restricted Report. Communicated related to the incident is considered protected.
• Provides confidential reporting.
• Allows access to medical care, counseling, and a victim advocate but does not initiate the investigative process.
• Intended to give the victim additional time and increased control over the release and management of their personal information.
• Empowers the victim to seek relevant information and support to make an informed decision about participating in the criminal process.
• Civilians and retired members are not eligible to make a Restricted Report.

Unrestricted Report

• Enables military members, dependents (18+) and DoD Air Force civilian employees who are victims to disclose allegations of sexual assault to their chain of command, law enforcement. and the AFOSI or other criminal investigative service.
• Initiates investigative process.
• The SARC will be notified and assign a victim advocate to the individual.
• Details of the allegation will be provided only to those personnel who have a legitimate need to know.

Independent Report

• Information about a sexual assault is disclosed to command from an independent or third-party source.
• An official investigation may be initiated based upon an independent report.

SAPR Reporting Handout