Pentagon reports on Sexual Harasmment

May 27, 2008

The Pentagon has released its latest surveys on sexual harassment and assault in the military. In 2006, a third of women and 6 percent of men reported being sexually harassed.

A secondary report on sexual assaults showed that fewer cases were reported among military personnel in 2007 after years of significant and constant increases. According to the Associated Press' reporting, Pentagon spokesman cautioned that the results do not necessarily indicate a trend one way or the other.

The Defense Manpower Data Center's harassment survey based on a sample of about 24,000 people found that women fared worse than the previous report several years ago. Improvement was shown, however, since a similar survey in 1995. Still, according to the same report, 6.8 percent of women and 1.8 percent of men surveyed indicated experiencing unwanted sexual contact.

The military's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office offers "guidance and other information" to sexual assault victims, commanders, first responders and "those who wish to prevent or respond to this crime."

Here's what it says about sexual assault:

"The Department of Defense does not tolerate sexual assault and has implemented a comprehensive policy that reinforces a culture of prevention, response and accountability that ensures the safety, dignity and well-being of all members of the Armed Forces. Our men and women serving throughout the world deserve nothing less, and their leaders-military and civilian-are committed to maintaining a workplace environment that rejects sexual assault and attitudes that promote such behaviors.

Read the Pentagon reports for yourself about harassment and assault.