There was a 3% increase in reports of sexual assaults in the U.S. military in 2019, according to statistics released by the Department of Defense.
The 2019 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military found that in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 there were a total of 7,825 reports of sexual assault involving service members (as either victims or subjects) compared with 7,623 in 2018.
They include 6,236 service members who reported an incident of sexual assault; 652 reports from members for incidents that occurred prior to military service; as well as 937 reports from U.S. civilians and foreign nationals who alleged they were assaulted by a service member.
The overall uptick of 3% shouldn’t be interpreted as an increase in sexual assault prevalence among the active duty force, because a prevalence survey was not conducted this year.
Traditionally the survey is conducted once a year.
“Our work to eliminate sexual assault reflects our ongoing commitment to advance a culture of trust, respect, and inclusion within the force,” Dr. Elizabeth Van Winkle, the executive director of the Office of Force Resiliency, said in a statement.
Pentagon officials will have to wait until next year to verify whether the uptick represents an increase in crimes, or just a higher number of people reporting on sexual assaults, as a result of education efforts among service members.
“We generally view more reporting of the crime as a positive thing because it helps us connect victims to services,” Dr. Nate Galbreath, the acting director of the DoD’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, said, according to ABC News.
“I’m cautiously optimistic that it’s good news; I just can’t characterize it one way or another,” he added.
The highest percentage change was reported in the Air Force, with a 9% increase over the previous year. The Marine Corps was the only service to show a decrease: 6% over the previous year’s reporting.
“While the Marine Corps continues to eradicate these criminal behaviors from our ranks, provide victims with care, and hold offenders accountable, senior Marine leaders do not necessarily equate lower reports of sexual assault with lower instances of this offense,” cautioned Maj. Craig Thomas, a spokesman for the Marine Corps’ Manpower & Reserve Affairs.
“Knowing that sexual assault is traditionally an underreported crime and the 2018 annual report showed an increase in prevalence, the Marine Corps remains committed to improving its prevention methods and continuing to foster a climate and culture of dignity, respect, and trust,” Thomas said.
“Marines are being provided knowledge, skills, and tools to take action and prevent destructive and inappropriate behaviors that can lead to sexual assault,” he added. “Bottom line, Marines have a fundamental right to live and work in a healthy environment free from sexual assault and harassment.”
Galbreath said that some of the Pentagon’s prevention efforts focus on “preparing leaders at all levels to better reach our youngest Service members who are most at risk.”
To the acting director, focusing on the department’s youngest members “create healthy unit climates will benefit our military and all those who serve.”
———
©2020 New York Daily News
Visit New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.