The Air Force has instituted new avenues for reporting sexual assault in the form of Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting. Restricted Reporting allows a victim to report a Sexual Assault without triggering an investigation. It is intended to give the victim (survivor) time and control over the release of their information. Further, it also empowers the survivor to make an informed decision about participating in the criminal process.

Unrestricted Reporting is any report of sexual assault made through normal reporting channels (for example: reports to chain of command, security forces, and/or Air Force Office of Investigation).

Restricted Reporting is available to active duty military, Coast Guard, Reservist performing federal training and members of the National Guard under Title 10 status. Restricted Reporting is also available to military dependents age 18 and over.

Independent Reporting is an assault reported by someone other than the victim.