Combating Sexual Assault in the Military: A Comprehensive Approach to Prevention and Support
Step Forward” Campaign: A Unified Strategy
The DoD’s overarching strategy to address sexual assault is embodied in its “STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate.” campaign. Launched in 2023 and continuing through 2024 and beyond, this initiative serves as a call to action for all service members to actively participate in creating a safer military community. The campaign emphasizes a victim-centered approach, ensuring that survivors receive immediate medical care, legal support, and counseling services. It also stresses the importance of year-round prevention efforts, moving beyond a single awareness month to foster a culture of respect and accountability.
In 2024, the DoD focused on Phase 2 of the “Step Forward” campaign, aiming to change harmful behaviors, provide support to victims, and encourage prevention initiatives. Maxwell Air Force Base, for instance, conducted its first Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) and Suicide Prevention training of the year on June 13, 2024, focusing on education regarding consent, boundaries, and respectful behavior. This training underscores the DoD’s commitment to a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of sexual assault prevention and mental health support. As stated by LaNesa Howard, SAPRO program manager, “Our collective commitment is crucial in creating a culture where reporting incidents and seeking assistance are encouraged and supported.”
Investing in Prevention: The Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce. Find out more about military sexual assault prevention.
Recognizing a critical gap in past prevention efforts, the U.S. military has launched an ambitious initiative to hire and train thousands of experts focused on preventing sexual assault and other harmful behaviors. By 2028, the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW) aims to recruit, hire, and train over 2,000 psychologists and other prevention specialists to serve across hundreds of military locations.
These prevention specialists will adopt a holistic approach, addressing risk factors and promoting protective factors against sexual assault, harassment, suicide, retaliation, and domestic and child abuse. Their roles will range from direct engagement with commanders and service members to strategy and policy development. A key focus will be translating existing research on preventing harmful behaviors into practical applications for the military community.
The effectiveness of these prevention efforts is closely tied to the command climate within units. Andra Tharp, senior prevention adviser for the DoD Office of Force Resiliency, noted that “When command climate is unhealthy, these behaviors are more likely to take place.” The IPPW will work with leaders to implement prevention activities and advise on data-driven decision-making, aiming to foster healthier unit climates that inherently reduce the likelihood of sexual assault.
Reforming the Military Justice System. Find out more about DoD sexual assault response guide.
Significant reforms have been implemented within the military justice system to address sexual assault cases more effectively. A major shift, effective January 1, 2025, involves the transfer of prosecution decisions for sexual assault and other serious offenses from commanders to trained military prosecutors.
This change, recommended by the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military (IRC-SAM), aims to remove potential biases and reluctance associated with reporting within the chain of command. Special Trial Counsel offices have been established in each service branch to handle these cases, ensuring greater independence and expertise in prosecution.
The DoD has also updated its policies to enhance support for adult sexual assault victims. A memorandum effective July 19, 2024, implemented recommendations from the IRC-SAM, expanded eligibility for Restricted Reporting to DoD civilian employees, and removed barriers to reporting for law enforcement victims. New DD Forms have been introduced, including a “Victim Reporting Preference Statement” (DD Form 2910) to clearly elect reporting options.
Data and Reporting: Tracking Progress and Identifying Trends
The Department of Defense is committed to comprehensive assessments of sexual assault within the military. The DoD’s Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military for Fiscal Year 2024, provided to Congress on May 1, 2025, details sexual assault reports and assesses prevention and response efforts.. Find out more about STEP FORWARD campaign military tips.
According to the report, reported sexual assaults across the military dropped by nearly 4% in fiscal year 2024, marking the second consecutive year of decrease. There were 8,195 reported sexual assaults in 2024, down from 8,515 in 2023. However, sexual harassment complaints saw a slight increase of about 1% during the same period, though they have decreased by nearly 6% over two years.
The report also highlights the strong connection between sexual violence and military readiness. Nathan W. Galbreath, SAPRO director, stated, “Every victimized service member represents not only a life that is forever changed but also the erosion of our readiness to execute the nation’s national security objectives.”
In addition to the annual reports, the DoD releases reports on sexual harassment and violence at military service academies. Preliminary findings from the 2024 Service Academy Gender Relations Survey, released on December 12, 2024, indicated the first decline in sexual assault rates at military service academies in a decade.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain in eradicating sexual assault from the military. The fear of reprisal continues to be a contributing factor to underreporting. Furthermore, recent directives in early 2025 led to a pause in some sexual assault prevention training in certain military branches due to reviews related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This pause raised concerns among advocacy groups about its potential impact on prevention efforts and reporting.
The DoD’s commitment to restoring service members’ trust is paramount, and ongoing reforms aim to strengthen the department’s response to sexual assault. The Sexual Assault Response Workforce model, approved in July 2024, seeks to reduce reliance on collateral duty personnel and strengthen the full-time SAPR workforce, with plans for implementation by Fiscal Year 2027. This model also aims to remove Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Victim Advocates from the chain of command to enhance their independence and encourage reporting.
Resources for survivors are available through the DoD Safe Helpline, offering 24/7 confidential and anonymous support. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also provides resources and treatment for Military Sexual Trauma (MST), including specialized mobile apps and on-site MST coordinators at every VA health-care facility.
The fight against sexual assault in the military is a continuous process that requires sustained commitment, adaptive strategies, and the active participation of every service member. The ongoing reforms and increased investment in prevention and support signal a determined effort to create a safer and more respectful environment for all who serve.