Federal Daily News
DOD launches new measures to address sexual assault in military
The Defense Department this week announced a number of new policies and initiatives aimed at preventing and responding to sexual assault in the military.
“Sexual assault has no place in this department,” Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said at a Jan. 18 briefing detailing the measures, “… it is a stain on the good honor of the great majority of our troops and … our families.”
According to a news release from the American Forces Press Service, planned measures announced at the Pentagon briefing include:
• Establishment of a sexual assault advocate certification program;
• Boosting funding for military investigators and judge advocates; and
• Assessing leader training in sexual assault prevention and response.
In 2005, the military services launched a “dual-reporting system” under which a victim may file a confidential, or “restricted,” report, which provides access to medical care and counseling, but not charges; or an “unrestricted” report, which triggers criminal investigations as well as care and counseling. At the briefing, Panetta also announced plans to extend the restricted reporting option to military spouses and adult military dependents.
Panetta said DOD would announce more initiatives “over the coming weeks and months.”
Reports of sexual assault have increased since the dual-reporting system was put into place, according to DOD. Panetta noted that many victims nonetheless still hesitate to report sexual assaults out of peer pressure or concerns over the effect on careers—attitudes the department is trying to address. Panetta said victims reported 3,191 sexual assaults in the military last year, but that because of underreporting, the true number is probably closer to 19,000.
“There are no easy answers,” Panetta said. “But that makes it all the more essential for us to devote our energy and our attention to trying to confront this crime.”