Sexual Assault On The Rise In The Navy

Sexual assault in the Navy is increasing, according to a report released by the Department of Defense this week. There is a 64 percent increase in reported sexual assaults at the nation's service academies.

While the report deems this increase to be "alarming" it also states that the number could be inflated due to an increase in awareness and reporting over past years.

After a four year period of decline reported at service academies, the Air Force Academy showed a sharp increase from 2008 to 2009, as well as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The superintendent of the Naval Academy, Vice Admiral Michael H. Miller spoke about the report, saying "We have zero tolerance for this behavior and our goal is to deter and completely eliminate unacceptable conduct." He went on to say that he will use this latest report to make improvements to their training programs, as well as accountability measures for sexual assault.

Included in the report was the fact that 56 percent of female cadets and midshipmen had experienced some form of sexual harassment. It also said that the reported amount of attacks probably only accounts for ten percent of the actual amount that is occurring at academies across the country.

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