Published Aug 24, 2026, 12:35 PM EDT
The estimated rate of unwanted sexual contact for active-duty mean and women has decreased since 2023, per new data.
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Published Aug 24, 2026, 12:35 PM EDT
Military leaders say that the number of sexual assault cases across the armed forces has decreased. That is according to a new Department of Defense (DOD) survey showing that the rate of unwanted sexual contact for active-duty men has decreased from 1.3% in Fiscal Year 2023—the last time the survey was administered—to 1% in FY25. The estimated rate of unwanted sexual contact for active-duty women decreased from 6.8% to 4.3% over the same period, DOD found. Congress requires that the DOD makes the annual report on sexual assault in the military as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent and respond to harassment in the military. "Dignity, respect, and discipline are foundational to the warrior ethos and the overall preparedness of the force. Sexual assault and sexual harassment undermine these values, eroding trust and threatening the mission," Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata said in a statement. Survivors of military sexual trama frequently experience debilitating psychological consequences, including high rates of PTSD and other mental health issues. These incidents also damage unit cohesion, compromise institutional trust, and degrades mission capability.
