Sexual Assaults in the Marine Corps: Really Increasing?

Abstract

Sexual assault is a terrible crime that not only causes traumatic damage to a victim, but also may negatively impact a victim's family and friends. In the Marine Corps, it may even cripple an entire command. The Marine Corps takes pride in its history and traditions, especially for possessing an exceptional degree of camaraderie. Historically, the Marine Corps has been known as: "A Force in Readiness," "A Few Good Men," and "First to Fight." Now, the Marine Corps is also being recognized, especially by the media, and through various random surveys, for having a sexual assault problem within its ranks. There is much criticism due to Marines hurting one another, as evidenced by an increase in sexual assaults reported, 333 in fiscal year (FY) 11, reported over the last few years. Though it may appear the amount of sexual assaults reported have increased in the Marine Corps, there is substantial evidence it is the result of: better reporting, an increase in awareness training, and better response measures being taken. The Marine Corps has made arduous efforts to: clearly define sexual assault, provide Marines better guidance for reporting restricted and unrestricted reports, improve training standards, provide the best victim services, . properly conduct investigations, hold offenders accountable, and properly account for reports of sexual assault through a credible tracking system.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 11, 2013
Accession Number
ADA602053

Entities

People

  • Sally A. Falco

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • California
  • Congress
  • Court Martial
  • Department Of Defense
  • Health Services
  • Law
  • Law Enforcement
  • Management Personnel
  • Medical Personnel
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Sexual Assault
  • Standards
  • Students
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Organizational Psychology.