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Sexual assault reports drop at academies

The number of sexual assaults reported at the military academies continued to decline last year, thanks to a sharp drop in the number of cases reported at the Air Force Academy.

There were a total of 25 reports combined at the academies in academic year 2008-2009, compared to 34 in the previous school year, according to the Defense Department’s Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the United States Military Service Academies, released Dec. 18.

But the decrease was due primarily to the sharp drop in cases reported at the Air Force Academy — eight cases reported, compared to 24 in the previous academic year. The numbers rose at the other academies — nine compared to four in the previous year at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and eight at the Naval Academy compared to six the previous year.

“One sexual assault is too many,” said Gail McGinn, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, in a prepared statement. “Our assessment shows the academies understand and have institutionalized some remarkable programs to prevent and respond to this crime.”

As part of the assessment, defense officials held focus groups with cadets and midshipmen, met with personnel from the academies, reviewed academy policies and procedures, and reviewed data from reports and investigative files.

Officials said the majority of cadets and midshipmen who participated in the focus groups understood the restricted and unrestricted reporting for sexual assault, and indicated there is value in having both options. When the victim chooses the path of restricted reporting, no investigation is launched, but the victim can still get care.

All the participants in the focus groups agreed that academy senior leadership is serious about preventing sexual assault, officials said.

The Defense Department’s assessment also found that the military service academies have systems in place to provide comprehensive and consistent support for victims. “First and foremost we want to make sure the victims get the care they need,” said Defense Department spokeswoman Cynthia Smith.

The academies also are continuing to refine their prevention and response programs, officials said.

Overall the Defense Department has taken steps to prevent sexual assault in the military, including a campaign aimed at bystander intervention that was launched in April.

“Preventing sexual assault is everyone’s responsibility,” Smith said.