AFOSI reports rise in local sexual assault complaints Published July 12, 2007 By AFOSI Det. 104 Eglin Air Force Base, Fla -- Agents of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations at Eglin Air Force Base are concerned with the spike in sexual assault allegations that have been reported over the past few months. Establishments where victims claim they were socializing and drinking prior to being sexually assaulted are the places Airmen should be more aware. Sexual predators don't always work alone, so be cognizant of where your drinks are coming from and who's offering you a ride home. In 2006, according to the DoD report, 2,374 sexual assaults were reported. Out of those reported, 2,047 were unrestricted reports and 435 were restricted reports, with 327 restricted reports remaining. Restricted reporting allows a victim to confidentially receive medical treatment and support without triggering a criminal investigation. This gives the victim more control over their personal information, while seeking guidance on whether or not to participate in an investigation. Unrestricted reporting follows procedures that were already in place. The victim will receive medical attention and counseling while the command is notified and an investigation is generated. Out of the 435 restricted reports, 108 people amended their reports to unrestricted status after they considered available benefits and limitations. All military services have put education and training programs into action de-signed to develop confidentiality among the victims reporting the assault. "We've upped the degree of confidence," said Ms. Miller. "This shows they're (the victims) comfortable enough with the system to change the reporting option." If you suspect that you or someone you know may have been a victim of sexual assault, please report the incident immediately to either the Eglin AFB Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Debbie Allen at 882-2122 or the 1st Special Operations Wing SARC, Clara Miller, at 884-7272. Editor's note: Jamie Haig, 1st SOW Public Affairs, contributed to this article.