Although improvements have been made in the civilian legal system, the military/UCMJ is decades behind. You are not legally obligated to report. The decision is entirely yours. Whether you report it or not, write down everything that you can remember so that if you do decide to file a criminal complaint later, your statement will be accurate. As you are deciding whether or not to report the crime to the authorities, here are several things to keep in mind:

• According to a Military Rape Crisis study, over 90% of all rape survivors are involuntarily discharge from service.

• Statistics has shown that only 8% of all rapes reported end up in a trial. A trial can last anywhere from 6 months to several years. Its very painful and best if you have a support network of friends and family to help you through it.

• If you decide to get a rape kit done it is best to not shower, eat, drink or change clothes. You have up to 72 hours to have a rape kit done but with every passing hour forensic evidence may be lost. If you just been raped go immediately to the nearest military or civilian hospital. You have the right to request a female doctor/nurse and a rape advocate.
  

• Rank of perpetrator and survivor will be used in court. In over 98% of cases the perpetrator is of same rank or higher rank than the victim.  Remember just because the perpetrator has been in the service longer does not necessarily mean that they would take the higher ranked word over that of lower rank.
  

Do not reveal the following information related to your mental health:

• That you have been in psychotherapy
  
• That you were previously the victim of sexual assault
  
• That you keep a journal
  
• Information about your sexual history with the perpetrator or anyone else

What you tell police investigators becomes part of the government's record that they must share with the defense, who will pursue it in an attempt to shift the blame of the attack onto the victim. Just stick to the immediate facts of the attack.

You will need to prepare yourself for any outcome. Rape is one of the most difficult crimes to prove. Remember that even if your case does not end in a conviction, this does not mean that the rape did not happen or that you were wrong to prosecute.

Written in parts by: Margaret , Panayiota and Melissa.