Secretary of Veterans Affairs addresses sexual assault and harassment

Reports of sexual harassment complaints rose slightly in FY2024 while sexual assault reports increased, according to recent data gathered from the Military Times and other news outlets,

The decline in reported sexual assaults decreased overall, driven by a large drop in the Army, but increases in the Navy, Air Force, and Marines. According to a Pentagon report, there were 8,195 reported sexual assaults in 2024 involving members of the military, compared with 8,515 in 2023. In 2022, there were 8,942 reported sexual assaults, a spike that triggered widespread alarm and led to new programs and an infusion of funding to try to combat the problem.

The overall decrease was due to a 13% drop in reported sexual assaults across the Army, which is the largest military service.

Meanwhile, sexual harassment complaints for rose FY2024--from 2,980 in 2023 to 3,014, in 2024, about 1%. Specific rates for harassment were less detailed than assault reports, but trends show increases in misconduct findings, with most reports coming from younger, lower-ranking women.

While DoD officials continue to makes changes, including more than $1 billion to improve programs and hiring nearly 2,500 personnel as part of a new “prevention workforce” and placing them at military installations worldwide.

There have also been prosecutorial changes, putting independent lawyers in charge of those decisions and sidelining commanders after years of pressure from Congress.

Meanwhile the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Doug Collins released a message addressing the VA’s progress over the last year implementing our Veteran First strategy – easing access to care when and where veterans need it most, which includes continued adherence to anti-harassment and anti-sexual assault policies, laws, and programs. “It takes all of us working together to maintain safe and welcoming environments for all,” writes Secretary Collins.

He further encourages veterans and the families and caretakers to help by practicing Bystander Intervention Techniques, which emphasize the “4 Ds”

-Direct: Directly address the harassment (if comfortable and safe)

-Distract: Divert attention (change the subject)

-Delegate: Find a third party to help

-Document: Write down the who, what, when, and where

“These are practical techniques to enable you to feel confident in your ability to identify harassment or sexual assault, seek help, and prevent the situation from escalating.”

If you have experienced or witnessed harassment or sexual assault, the VA has resources to help, from reporting to a trusted person at the VA such as a Patient Advocate, VA Police, or health care provider.

You can also call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) and select option 9. The call center is staffed to answer reports of this sensitive nature 24/7. You may also submit a report by following the guidance found at www.va.gov/report-harassment. There is no wrong way to report.

“We understand that reporting harassment or sexual assault may feel uncomfortable. But I assure you, our trained staff stands ready to support and assist you throughout the process. If you or someone you know has been harassed or sexually assaulted at a VA facility, we ask that you tell a VA staff member you trust. There is no wrong door for reporting harassment or sexual assault,” said Secretary Collins. “Reporting not only helps VA better support victims, it enables us to more effectively prevent future incidents.”