There is bad news but also some positive news in the report this week about the number of sexual assaults in the U.S. military.
The Pentagon says that in 2016, as in many of the previous 10 years, the total number of reports of sexual assaults increased—from 6,083 to 6,172. And Defend se Department officials say that’s because more service members are now reporting unwanted sexual contact defined as anything from groping to rape.
The report says it means the number of women assaulted is down from 4.9 percent to 4.3 percent.
But the Pentagon report says there are still cases that are not being reported.
Elizabeth Van Winkle, acting assistant secretary of defense for readiness, is quoted as saying, “Overall, this year’s report shows indications of progress,” but with that said, she says, the fight to end sexual assault, sexual harassment, and related misconduct in the military is far from over.”
The Marines United Facebook scandal brought the issue back into the headlines before this annual report, but the problem has been a problem and commanders in the U.S military say they are committed to making things better.
With women now allowed to be part of almost every military unit, it’s a problem the Pentagon will have to continue to battle.
It’s a fight that involves more than just tough rules and tough discipline. It’s also a fight that has to take on a sexualized culture and the flaws of human nature.
(photo credit Getty Images)