DoD: Sexual assault reports increased in 2008

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DoD: Sexual assault reports increased in 2008
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Mar 17, 2009 22:04:46 EDT

Reports of sexual assaults involving military victims or perpetrators are on the rise — more than 8 percent over the previous fiscal year — and increased more than three times as much in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Pentagon’s new report to Congress also says the number of cases that were sent to court-martial rose 8 percent last fiscal year — although one congressional critic calculates a far lower figure.

But overall, the Pentagon says that more sexual assault reports are just what it wants to see.

That’s because sexual assault is underreported generally due to the fear and stigma associated with the crimes, said Kaye Whitley, director of the Pentagon’s Sexual Assault and Prevention Office, or SAPRO. In releasing the department’s fiscal year 2008 report on sexual assault in the ranks, she told Pentagon reporters Tuesday that the increase in reports “means the department’s policy of encouraging victims to come forward is making a difference.”

“We’re getting the victims in to get care,” Whitley said.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/03/military_sexual_assault_statistics_031709/%2e