If a Soldier feels unsafe reporting an incident, what action should they take?

When a Soldier feels unsafe reporting an incident, utilizing the restricted reporting option for confidentiality is the most appropriate action. This option is specifically designed to provide a safe pathway for individuals to report incidents of sexual assault or harassment while maintaining their privacy and control over how the situation is handled.

The restricted reporting option allows service members to receive medical care and support services without triggering an official investigation. This ensures that the individual can talk to trained professionals such as a sexual assault response coordinator (SARC) or victim advocate in a confidential setting. By choosing this route, the Soldier can begin to process the incident and access necessary resources without the added pressure of an immediate command report, which might exacerbate feelings of vulnerability.

This approach encourages individuals to come forward with their experiences, as it assures them that their wellbeing is a priority and allows them to make more informed decisions about how and when to proceed with their case. It helps to create a more supportive environment where victims feel enough safety to seek help and potentially decide to report the incident later, if they choose.