According to a recent Department of Defense (DoD) report, the number of sexual assaults increased at two of the American military service academies in 2016. If you are facing sexual assault charges and you require legal assistance, the team at Military Trial Defenders is ready to help. Here are a few important details about the report.
The Annual DoD Report
On March 15th of this year, the U.S. Department of Defense released its annual report on sexual harassment and sexual assault charges in the Military. The report, entitled Sexual Harassment and Violence at the United States Military Service Academies for Academic Program Year (APY) 2015 – 2016, provides statistical information about the three military service academies. These academies include the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy.
This year’s data was augmented by self-assessment summaries from the Academies, and the report included results from the 2016 Service Academy Gender Relations Survey. All data taken together, the report indicates a clear, statistical increase of sexual assault reports at two of the American military service academies: the U.S. Military Academy and the Naval Academy. The Air Force Academy, conversely, had a significant decrease in reported sexual misconduct. This caused the combined number of reported sexual assaults to decrease slightly from the year before, but only by five reports.
What the DoD is Saying
Notably, this report came right after the Marines Nude Photo Scandal (see our blog for more details). Given this, the DoD has suggested that more sexual assault cases occur than are reported. The annual report may not be truly reflective of the actual numbers. Still, the DoD recognizes the increase in sexual assault reports at two of the academies as indicative of a greater boldness on behalf of assault victims.
What the Report Means for Military Members
The Department of Defense is continuously working to promote a positive culture of safety and trust in the Military. They also are under intense political pressure to do so. Because of this, the DoD will continue to crack down on assault accusations by pushing for sexual assault charges. Additionally, because the DoD is encouraging people to speak up about sexual assault, more and more false accusations are compiling. While not every accusation is false by any means, the chances of being wrongfully accused of sexual misconduct are becoming exponentially high.
Facing Sexual Assault Charges?
If you are facing sexual assault charges, there is absolutely no time to waste. An accusation of sexual assault can be detrimental to a service member’s career, reputation, and future – even before the investigation process begins. It is not too late to salvage your reputation or decrease your chances of conviction, however. The lawyers at Military Trial Defenders are available to help you clear your name. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!
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