What does restricted reporting entail?

Restricted reporting is a process that allows individuals to report incidents of sexual assault or harassment without initiating an official investigation. This approach is designed to provide victims with the opportunity to seek support and guidance while retaining control over how much information they wish to disclose and whether they want an investigation to occur.

By choosing restricted reporting, individuals can access confidential resources, such as counseling or medical assistance, while maintaining privacy and limiting the involvement of law enforcement or military authorities unless they decide to change their reporting options later. This is particularly important for victims who may be hesitant to come forward due to fear of retaliation, stigma, or lack of trust in the system.

The other choices reference elements associated with formal reporting mechanisms or counseling services but do not accurately capture the essence of restricted reporting, which centers on the victim's choice and privacy.