Sex assault reports in the US military fell last year, AP learns

Apnews - May 1st, 2025
Open on Apnews

The U.S. military reported a nearly 4% decrease in sexual assaults in 2024, with the Army experiencing a significant 13% drop, according to senior defense officials. This marks the second consecutive year of decline, reversing a long-standing trend of increasing reports. Despite these improvements, the number of reported cases remains high, with 8,195 assaults involving military personnel. Additionally, 512 service members reported pre-military assaults, and 641 civilians accused military members of assault. While the Army saw a decrease, other branches, such as the Navy and Air Force, experienced increases in reported assaults.

This decline coincides with new prosecution procedures that place independent lawyers in charge, removing commanders from decision-making roles following pressure from Congress over accountability issues. The military is also investing over $1 billion to enhance its prevention programs and has hired 1,400 personnel as part of a new prevention workforce. Despite these efforts, the number of sexual harassment complaints has risen slightly, and many assaults remain unreported. The ongoing changes highlight a significant shift in the military's approach to handling and preventing sexual misconduct, although it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be long-term.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and timely account of the decrease in reported sexual assaults in the U.S. military, supported by specific statistics and official statements. It effectively highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in addressing this critical issue. However, the reliance on anonymous sources and the presence of technical elements affect the story's accuracy, transparency, and readability.

The article could benefit from a more balanced presentation by incorporating perspectives from victims, advocacy groups, and independent experts. This would provide a fuller understanding of the issue and enhance public engagement. Additionally, greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would strengthen the article's credibility.

Overall, the story is informative and relevant, contributing to important discussions about military culture and accountability. By addressing these areas for improvement, the article could have a more significant impact on public opinion and drive meaningful change.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of the decrease in reported sexual assaults in the U.S. military, supported by specific numbers and percentages. The claim of a nearly 4% decrease in 2024 compared to the previous year is consistent with the figures provided and aligns with trends reported in other sources. The detailed breakdown by military branch, such as the 13% decrease in the Army and increases in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is precise and matches available data. However, the story relies on anonymous sources for some of its claims, which can affect verifiability. The mention of changes in prosecution procedures and their impact, while accurate, lacks detailed evidence or data to fully substantiate the claims of their effectiveness.

7
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of U.S. defense officials and focuses on statistical data regarding reported sexual assaults. While it acknowledges the decrease in reported assaults as a positive trend, it also highlights ongoing challenges, such as the high number of unreported cases and the need for further improvements. However, the article could benefit from including perspectives from victims, advocacy groups, or independent experts to provide a more comprehensive view of the issue. The emphasis on statistical data and official statements may inadvertently downplay the personal experiences and challenges faced by victims.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It begins with the main claim of a decrease in reported sexual assaults and provides detailed statistics and explanations. However, the inclusion of technical elements, such as code snippets and advertisements, can disrupt the reading experience and detract from the article's clarity. The language used is straightforward and neutral, but the presence of these extraneous elements affects the overall readability and comprehension. Removing these distractions would improve the clarity of the article.

6
Source quality

The story relies on information from senior U.S. defense officials, who are unnamed, and data obtained by the Associated Press. While the AP is a reputable news organization, the use of anonymous sources can reduce the perceived reliability of the information. The article would benefit from additional sources, such as official reports or statements from the Department of Defense, to enhance credibility. The lack of direct attribution to specific documents or publicly available reports makes it difficult to independently verify some claims, such as the exact figures and the impact of new prosecution procedures.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of the reported decrease in military sexual assaults and mentions changes in prosecution procedures. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to obtain the data and the specific sources of information. The reliance on anonymous officials without further context about their roles or access to the data limits transparency. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that may affect the information presented. Greater transparency in the sourcing and methodology would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://sapr.mil/reports
  2. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/sex-assault-reports-us-military-fell-year-fueled-121344737
  3. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/08/19/military-sexual-assault-rate-higher-than-dod-estimates-report-finds/
  4. https://www.rand.org/pubs/tools/TLA746-2/handbook/resources/data-on-sexual-assault-in-the-military.html
  5. https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/papers/2024/sexualassault