Rise in Sexual Assault Incidents at U.S. Military Academies: Survey by Reuters

Increase in Unwanted Sexual Contact at U.S. Military Academies

Recent findings from a Pentagon survey reveal a significant rise in incidents of unwanted sexual contact at leading U.S. military academies, with reports increasing by nearly 50 percent over the past two years. The survey indicated that there were 747 cases of unwanted sexual contact in 2018, a marked increase from 507 in 2016.

This ongoing issue of sexual assault and harassment in the military has long been problematic and largely under-reported. The issue garnered heightened attention two years ago following a scandal involving Marines who shared nude photos of women online.

According to the survey, 16.5 percent of female cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact in 2018, a significant increase from the 10.2 percent reported in 2016. The survey was made available to all cadets at West Point, as well as those at the Navy and Air Force academies.

In response to the survey findings, the Army has instructed West Point to develop a comprehensive plan in the coming weeks to address this critical issue. A statement from the Army emphasized that there is no place for sexual harassment or assault within the organization, stating, "This is a readiness issue that affects our ability to prepare to fight and win our Nation’s wars as much as it is an issue of values."