By the numbers: the statistics surrounding sexual assault

20 Apr 2006 |

Were you aware that… 

-- According to an FBI Uniform Crime Report, a rape is reported about once every five minutes in the U.S. 

-- The National Victim and Crime Victims Research Centers state that Rape is the most underreported violent crime in America. 

-- Studies show that 82 percent of sexual assaults are not reported. 

-- In 2000, one in 33 men [three percent] and one in six women [17 percent] reported experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some time in their lives, according to a report by the National Institute of Justice. 

-- Nearly 70 percent of sexual assault victims know their attacker. [2003 National Crime Victimization Survey] 

-- In 2005, the military reported 2,374 cases of alleged sexual assault involving members of the Armed Forces. This was a 674-report increase from Fiscal 2004 that can be attributed to restricted reporting. Those reports accounted for 435 [65 percent] of the increase. [DoD Fiscal 2005 Annual Report to Congress – Sexual Assault in the Military Services] 

Sexual assault has long-term effects on victims and military units. The Department of Defense, the Air Force and Travis are committed to preventing sexual assault. They have put in place a reporting structure with specific guidelines and protocols, so all assault cases are responded to appropriately and the investigations of these reports are timely, effective and sensitive to the victim’s needs. 

When confronting the crime of sexual assault in the military services, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is addressing a societal issue. Common values such as honor, courage, service before self and country unite every servicemember and utterly contradict the actions that sustain sexual misconduct. 

Every servicemember must continue to be environmentally aware, addressing any behaviors that inadvertently or directly facilitate harassment or assault. 

Next week, all dorm members need to attend one of three briefings called Operation Dorm Awareness at the base theater. 

The following are the available dates and times: 

-- Monday, 2 p.m.. (females only) 

-- Tuesday, 10 a.m. (males only) 

-- Thursday, 2 p.m. (males only)