DOD Releases Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at Military Service Academies
Today, the Department of Defense released its Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the United States Military Service Academies for academic program year 2016 – 2017. This year’s report contains the results of the department’s on-site assessments of the Academies and outcomes of focus groups of cadets, midshipmen, faculty, and staff.
The report contains results for the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, and United States Air Force Academy.
“We are absolutely committed to making the Academies safe,” Robert Wilkie, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, said. “It is imperative that these future officers understand how eliminating sexual harassment and assault advances our ability to protect the nation.”
The three Academies received 112 reports of sexual assault involving cadets or midshipmen in academic program year 2016-2017, an increase from 86 reports the previous year. Most of the reporting increase occurred at the U.S. Military Academy following a change in reporting policy and the relocation of its victim assistance office.
Overall, DOD’s assessment found that the academies complied with policies addressing sexual assault prevention and response. However, the Air Force Academy’s victim assistance efforts during the past academic program year did not comply with policy. Air Force Academy leadership has taken action to rectify the problems it detected within its sexual assault prevention and response office.
The complete report is available at sapr.mil. For academy specific information, contact the individual military services at 703-697-2564 for Army, 703-697-5342 for Navy, and 703-695-0640 for Air Force.
Members of the DoD community who have been affected by sexual assault can access 24/7 anonymous support through the DoD Safe Helpline at safehelpline.org, or by calling 877-995-5247.
