Sexual Assault in Military Academies Rise 23%

While young men women and train to serve their nation in the armed forces, statistics are showing that they are being forced to defend themselves against sexual attacks in addition to learning to defend themselves against enemies of the U.S. 

“Sexual assault in the armed services and at our military academies is systemic and corrosive," said Lowey, in the release. "We must end the violence, shame and silence.” 

The numbers, however, are likely to be higher as many incidents of sexual assault aren’t reported as victims fear retribution. The U.S. Department of Defense estimated that there were about 26,000 instances of sexual assault in the military in 2012.

Lowey says the culture that has allowed these attacks to take place needs to change.

A bipartisan bill, proposed by Lowey, was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives Monday that requires military academies to administer sexual assault training to all cadets within 60 days of entering the academy, as well as repeated annual training. 

While military schools are currently required to provide sexual assault training, this legislation would require that training incorporate ethics, history of sexual assault in the military, definitions of sexual assault, reporting procedures, victims’ rights and dismissal and dishonorable discharge for offenders.

“My amendment, which steps up the sexual assault prevention training our cadets and midshipmen receive and ensures they receive it sooner, is an important step in addressing sexual assault at our military academies," said Lowey. "But there is no doubt we have a long way to go.”

The 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, passed earlier this year, includes provisions authored by Lowey that help veterans who are victims of military sexual assault receive mental health care and asks the Department of Veterans Affairs to study whether female veterans have proper access to adequate medical facilities.

She also co-sponored a bill that would prevent military officials from making decisions on sexual assault cases and prevent commanders from dismissing court-martial convictions or reducing sentences; as well as another bill that would prevent  convicted attackers from continuing to serve in the military and protects victims who serve in the U.S. Coast Guard.