Sexual Assaults at US Military Academies Hit All-Time High

According to a Pentagon report released on March 10, sexual assault reports at three United States military service academies reached an all-time high in 2022. The report indicates that this represents the highest level since the Defense Department started tracking the matter in 2006.

The research examines sexual assault and harassment incidents at the three service academies – the US Military Academy, the US Naval Academy, and the US Air Force Academy – during the 2021-22 academic year.

Per The Hill:

Sexual assault allegations at the Navy, Air Force and Military academies for the 2021-2022 school year jumped to 206 reports, an increase of 45 reports from the 2020-2021 academic year, which had been the highest prior to this year’s report.

An anonymous survey also found 63 percent of academy women and 20 percent of academy men experienced some form of sexual harassment in the prior academic year at the three academies, which enroll more than 12,000 students collectively.

That’s up from 50 percent of academy women and 16 percent of academy men in the 2017-2018 school year, the last time the survey was taken.

Beth Foster, the executive director of the Defense Force Resiliency Office, said, “There’s really no other way to see it. Our cadets and midshipmen are future military leaders and should be able to learn and grow in an environment free of sexual assault and harassment.”

The report, entitled “Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies,” covers about 12,700 students at three military academies. It notes that out of the 1,136 students who experienced unwanted sexual contact, 155 reported it to a Department of Defense (DoD) authority. Overall, there’s about a 14% reporting rate. Victims’ reasons for reporting include:

• To ensure the perpetrator didn’t hurt others
• Someone encouraged them to make a report
• To secure mental health services
• To raise awareness that sexual assault occurs at the Academy

Further, 60% of all unwanted sexual contact events involved alcohol – 61% of events described by women, and 58% of events described by men.

Also of note is that most victims are familiar with their assailants:

Sexual assault is a crime of proximity in the military, meaning that victims often know or are acquainted with their alleged perpetrator. This holds true at the Academies, with cadets and midshipmen who report experiencing USC indicating that alleged offenders were often someone they knew from class or other activity, and someone in the same class year as them. Additionally, among female cadets at USAFA, the 2022 SAGR revealed increases in cadets identifying the alleged offender as someone they were dating or had a casual relationship with. Moreover, survey results showed that, across the MSAs, alleged incidents of USC often occurred on academy grounds (i.e., in a dorm or living area) and most often after duty hours and on a weekend or holiday.

What’s next?

The Hill states, “While each of the academies have adopted comprehensive plans to tackle the issue, the Pentagon office is requiring a broader plan of action for this academic year to address new policies and to improve climate survey assessments.” They work with The Defense Department’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training and Education Center of Excellence to provide specific training.

Prevention training includes learning to:

• Identify sexual assault and related negative behaviors
• Identify positive, healthy behavior and relationships
• Practice identified positive skills and behaviors
• Understand how these behaviors can help prevent sexual assault
• Describe how a positive organizational climate can reduce sexual assault
• Describe the difference between positive and negative bystander behaviors
• Identify risk and protective factors in post-deployment environments
• Identify and explain how to foster a culture of dignity and respect
• Annual refresher training

Response training includes learning to:

• Identify the DoD’s definition of sexual assault, violence, and inappropriate behaviors
• Identify the meaning of consent
• How to access the DoD helpline and other resources
• Understand the difference between mandatory and non-mandatory reporting
• Understand their rights as victims and access to Special Victims Counsel
• Identify SARCs, SVCs, VAs, chaplains, healthcare providers, and other resources for victims at their deployed location
• Understand any local laws that may prevent access to any support services or resources
• Describe the resources available while deployed
• Know who can assist them in the event of a sexual assault
• Identify retaliation
• Recognize the impact of sexual assault on work performance, and emotional and psychological well-being
• Much more

The report also notes that in 2023, military academies must institute a Return to Health policy, which “will assist cadet survivors of sexual assault in better balancing their academic goals with their needs after an incident of sexual assault.”

How a Los Angeles sexual assault lawyer can help

A sexual assault attorney can provide legal representation and support for individuals who have experienced sexual assault. Here are some of the ways a sexual assault attorney can help you:

• Explaining your legal rights. An attorney can explain your legal rights and options to you. They can help you understand the legal process and what to expect.
• Gathering evidence. An attorney can help you gather evidence to support your case, such as medical records, witness statements, and other relevant information.
• Representing you in court. If your case goes to court, an attorney can represent you and advocate for your rights. They can help you navigate the court system and ensure that your voice is heard.
• Negotiating settlements. An attorney can negotiate with the other party or their insurance company to reach a settlement. This can help you avoid a lengthy court battle and get the compensation you deserve.
• Providing emotional support. Sexual assault can be a traumatic experience, and an attorney can provide emotional support and connect you with resources to help you cope.

If you are in the military and have experienced sexual harassment or assault, talk to the Los Angeles attorneys at Taylor & Ring today. We want to help. To schedule a no-obligation, confidential consultation, please call our offices or fill out our contact form today. We serve clients throughout Southern California.