Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies: Academic Program Year 2012-2013
Abstract
Section 532 of Public Law 109-364 requires an annual report on the effectiveness of the policies, training, and procedures of each Military Service Academy (MSA) with respect to sexual harassment and violence involving Academy personnel. This report provides an assessment of the Academies in the areas of prevention, investigation, accountability, victim advocacy/assistance, and assessment with regard to sexual harassment and assault, as well as data and analysis on reported cases of sexual harassment and assault involving Academy personnel occurring between June 1, 2012 and May 31, 2013. Reports of sexual assault decreased at two of three MSAs, with 53 reports made by cadets and midshipmen during APY 12-13 for events they experienced while they were in military service. Of the 53 reports, 89% involved cadet/midshipman on cadet/midshipman crime, and an additional 5 reports involved civilian victims who reported being sexually assaulted by a cadet or midshipman. No unwanted sexual contact rate is available, as no survey was conducted during this academic program year. The 53 victims who reported a sexual assault for an incident that occurred while they were in military service during APY 12-13 is less than the 58 victims that reported in APY 11-12. Because there was no survey to establish a prevalence rate for this past academic year, the Department cannot say with certainty whether the decrease in reporting this year at the MSAs was due to fewer assaults occurring, or due to fewer victims opting to report. Given focus group feedback, cadets and midshipmen feel that incidents would be taken seriously by MSA leadership and dealt with immediately. However, they remain concerned that reporting a sexual assault will impact their reputation and social standing with classmates. In this report, the Department has made numerous recommendations that will help address perceptions that deter reporting, and advance and sustain an environment of dignity and respect at the MSAs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA591336
Entities
People
- Jessica L. Wright
Organizations
- United States Department of Defense