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For second consecutive year, sexual assault cases increase in US military

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: May 01, 2020, 04:54 PM IST
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File photo. Photograph:(Reuters)

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Last year as well, there was an increase of 13 per cent in the number of assaults and sexual crimes brought to the attention of military authorities. 

The number of sexual assaults in the US military increased in 2019 to 7,825 which was a three per cent increase from 2018, a report published by Pentagon said on Friday. 

Last year as well, there was an increase of 13 per cent in the number of assaults and sexual crimes brought to the attention of military authorities. 

The report was compiled by Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPR) and was published on Pentagon's site.

As per the data, the Air Force saw a nine per cent spike in cases while Navy had a rise of five per cent. A sexual assault case in Army witnessed an increase of two per cent.
 
The data also showed that 73 per cent of these sexual assaults in the military were committed by a superior. 

While the Marines have previously been called out for their especially high number of sexual assaults, this year's report shows that such cases are becoming more equal between the five branches. 

"One of our prevention efforts over the past year focused on preparing leaders at all levels to better reach our youngest Service members who are most at risk," said SAPR director Nate Galbraith. 

"Helping our newest enlisted leaders and supervisors create healthy unit climates will benefit our military and all those who serve," he said. 

(With inputs from agencies)