Reported Cases of Sexual Assault Increase at U.S. Military Academies

New data released to the Associated Press from the U.S. Department of Defense shows a 23 percent increase in the number of reported sexual assaults at the U.S. military academies. The number of reported sexual assaults in 2010 was 41. In 2011 there were 65 reported incidents and this year there have been 80. The data showed an increase in sexual assaults at West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy, but a decline at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

The numbers do not necessarily mean there has been an increase in the number of sexual assaults, just that more are being reported. In recent years, the Department of Defense has urged the academies to encourage the reporting of these offenses.

Of the 80 reported assaults this year, 38 of the victims sought medical help or advocacy services but did not seek an official investigation or press sexual assault charges.