An estimated 20,492 members of the US military were subjected to sexual assault during the 2025 fiscal year. However, this figure was higher two years prior. These findings were revealed in a Pentagon report released on Friday.
According to the report, this pattern of abuse was observed among both active-duty men and women between the 2023 and 2025 fiscal years. The data was presented in the annual report on sexual assault in the military for the 2025 fiscal year—a report mandated by the US Congress.
The report also incorporates results from the 2025 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey. This survey measures the prevalence of unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment, and gender-based discrimination within the military. The military conducts such surveys periodically to gain an estimate of incidents that are not formally reported to authorities.
Among active-duty women, the estimated rate of sexual harassment dropped from 24.7 percent in 2023 to 17.5 percent in 2025. For men, the rate fell from 5.8 percent to 4.4 percent.
However, the rate of formally reporting sexual assault incidents has increased. In 2023, approximately 25 percent of incidents involving active-duty members were reported to authorities; by 2025, that figure had risen to 33 percent.
The Pentagon states that reporting incidents is crucial for connecting victims with medical care, mental health support, and other rehabilitative services, as well as for investigating allegations and holding perpetrators accountable.
Anthony J. Tata, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, stated that dignity, respect, and discipline form the foundation of military values and overall readiness. He noted that sexual assault and sexual harassment undermine these values, erode mutual trust among service members, and jeopardize military operations.
He added that the report reflects the Department’s commitment to protecting service members, maintaining high standards of discipline, and building a cohesive, combat-ready force. However, the figure of 20,492 victims cited in the report does not correspond to the number of formal complaints filed with military authorities. The purpose of this survey-based estimate is to identify instances of such experiences among military personnel that were not formally reported.
In its announcement on Friday, the Pentagon did not release a breakdown by military branch, detailed demographic data on victims, or statistics regarding disciplinary actions. However, it was stated that the full report contains various statistics, an analysis of trends over time, and updates on programs aimed at preventing sexual assault and harassment, as well as initiatives to support victims.
Meanwhile, the US Congress has altered the judicial process for handling certain serious crimes, including sexual assault. Under these changes, the prosecution of such cases will be conducted by independent military prosecutors rather than through the military’s traditional chain of command.
Although defense officials view the projected decline in sexual assault rates and the number of victims in 2025 as positive progress, the estimate that over 20,000 personnel were affected makes it clear that sexual assault remains a significant problem within the US military.
Source: NDTV
