The number of service members who said they have been victims of sexual assault has risen 50 percent between 2012 and 2014, according to a report released by the Defense Department Dec. 4. Despite the increase, Pentagon officials contended that the results show more victims are willing to step forward with their complaints than before. Concurrent with the report’s release, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued a four-part directive aimed at further enhancing the military’s ongoing battle to eliminate sex-related crimes from the ranks.
Hagel’s plan calls for:
- Creation of a pilot program at certain installations aimed at tailoring prevention efforts to specific local needs.
- Placing the responsibility for identifying and preventing retaliation squarely on the shoulders of commanders.
- Establishing training regimens in prevention for immediate supervisors.
- Enhancing awareness of resources available to victims.
