The U.S. Department of War today released its Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, revealing a significant decrease in the prevalence of unwanted sexual contact and sexual harassment among active-duty service members, alongside an increase in the reporting of sexual assault incidents. This congressionally mandated report incorporates findings from the 2025 Workplace Experiences Survey, highlighting the Department's ongoing efforts to address these critical issues.
The report indicates that the estimated rate of unwanted sexual contact for active-duty men decreased from 1.3% in FY 2023 to 1.0% in FY 2025, while for active-duty women, it dropped from 6.8% to 4.3%. Overall, the Department estimates that 20,492 Service members experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact in FY 2025, representing 8,500 fewer personnel compared to FY 2023. Similarly, the prevalence of sexual harassment also saw a decline, with rates for active-duty men falling from 5.8% to 4.4% and for active-duty women from 24.7% to 17.5%.
Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata emphasized the importance of these findings. "Dignity, respect, and discipline are foundational to the warrior ethos and the overall preparedness of the force. Sexual assault and sexual harassment undermine these values, eroding trust and threatening the mission," Tata said. He added, "The FY 2025 report underscores our ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards, protecting our people, and building a unified, ready, and lethal fighting force."
Furthermore, the report noted a positive trend in reporting, with sexual assault incidents reported by active-duty Service members increasing from 25% in FY 2023 to 33% in FY 2025. The Department continues to encourage greater reporting to ensure warfighters receive vital restorative care and to enable leadership to hold offenders accountable. The Department of War remains focused on strengthening prevention and response activities, ensuring Service members can operate with confidence and maintain absolute focus on their mission. The full report is available at https://www.sapr.mil/.