Sexual assault in the military

This research paper explores the problem of sexual assault in the military. The paper starts by looking at the prevalence of sexual assault in the military and then looks at the factors that contribute to this problem. The paper then looks at the responses of the military to sexual assault and how effective these responses have been. The paper concludes with a discussion of what needs to be done to address the problem of sexual assault in the military.

Sexual assault is a serious problem in the military. It is estimated that approximately 14,000 service members were sexually assaulted in 2014 (DoD, 2015). This represents a significant increase from earlier years. In 2012, for example, it was estimated that only about 3,374 service members were sexually assaulted (DoD, 2013).

The increase in sexual assaults in the military is likely due to a number of factors. One factor is the increased awareness of the problem and the reporting of sexual assaults. Another factor is the increase in deployments, which can create opportunities for sexual predators. The nature of the military culture, with its emphasis on hierarchy and discipline, may also contribute to the problem of sexual assault.

The military has taken a number of steps to address the problem of sexual assault. One step is the creation of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO). SAPRO is responsible for developing policy and programs to prevent and respond to sexual assault in the military. SAPRO has developed a comprehensive strategy to address sexual assault in the military, which includes education and training, victim support, and accountability (SAPRO, n.d.).

The military has also implemented a number of policies to address sexual assault. These policies include the requirement that service members report any incidents of sexual assault, the provision of confidential counseling for victims, and the prosecution of offenders. The military has also created special units to investigate and prosecute sexual assault cases.

Despite these efforts, sexual assault remains a serious problem in the military. One reason for this is that many victims are reluctant to report incidents of sexual assault. This is due to a number of factors, including fear of retaliation, shame, and self-blame. Additionally, many victims do not trust the military justice system to effectively investigate and prosecute their cases.

Another reason why sexual assault remains a problem in the military is that offenders often go unpunished. In many cases, offenders are not identified or are not held accountable for their actions. This is due to the fact that many incidents of sexual assault go unreported. Additionally, even when cases are reported, it can be difficult to obtain evidence to prove that a crime occurred.

The problem of sexual assault in the military is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach to address it effectively. One important step is to increase awareness of the problem and its prevalence. Another important step is to encourage victims to come forward and report incidents of sexual assault. Additionally, it is important to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. Only by taking these steps will the problem of sexual assault in the military be effectively addressed.