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Suggest a Feature →Restricted vs. Unrestricted SHARP Reports
General information, not legal advice. For legal issues, contact Trial Defense Service (TDS) or your Legal Assistance Office.
“If you file a restricted report, nothing happens and nobody helps you. If you file unrestricted, everyone will know.”
A restricted report gives you access to medical care, counseling, and a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) without triggering an investigation or notifying your chain of command. An unrestricted report triggers an official investigation. You can convert a restricted report to unrestricted later, but not the reverse.
Restricted Report
A restricted report allows you to confidentially disclose a sexual assault to specified individuals and receive services without triggering an official investigation or notification to your chain of command.
Who You Can Tell (Restricted)
- Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
- Victim Advocate (VA)
- Healthcare provider
- Chaplain (who can also provide privileged communication)
What You Get
- Medical care (including forensic exam if desired)
- Counseling
- Legal consultation with a Special Victims' Counsel (SVC) / Victims' Legal Counsel (VLC)
- Safety planning
- A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) — evidence is collected and stored, but not used for investigation unless you convert to unrestricted
What Doesn't Happen
- No investigation is initiated
- Your chain of command is not notified
- Law enforcement is not notified
- The alleged offender is not contacted
Unrestricted Report
An unrestricted report triggers an official investigation by the appropriate law enforcement agency (CID, NCIS, OSI, etc.) and your chain of command is notified.
What You Get (In Addition to Restricted Services)
- Everything from the restricted report, plus
- An official investigation
- Command involvement in safety measures (military protective orders, etc.)
- Potential prosecution of the offender
- Expedited transfer request option
Converting Between Reports
Restricted → Unrestricted: You can convert at any time. Just tell your SARC or VA that you want to convert to unrestricted.
Unrestricted → Restricted: You cannot go back. Once the investigation starts, it cannot be undone.
Special Victims' Counsel (SVC)
Regardless of which type of report you file, you are entitled to a free military attorney (SVC/VLC) who works exclusively for you — not the command, not the prosecution, not the defense. The SVC protects your rights throughout the process.
Common Fears
Fear: Filing a report will ruin my career. Reality: Retaliation against someone who files a SHARP report is a separate UCMJ offense. If you experience retaliation, report it immediately.
Fear: No one will believe me. Reality: The investigation process is designed to gather evidence and determine facts. Your report is taken seriously by trained investigators.
Fear: I waited too long to report. Reality: There is no statute of limitations for restricted reports. For unrestricted reports, the UCMJ statute of limitations for sexual assault has been eliminated — you can report at any time.
How To File
Contact your installation's SARC or any Victim Advocate. You can also call the DoD Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247 (anonymous, 24/7). The helpline can connect you with local resources and help you understand your options before you decide.
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Contact your installation's Trial Defense Service (TDS) for UCMJ matters, or Legal Assistance Office for general legal issues. These services are free for active duty service members.