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Pentagon says more troops report unwanted sexual contact, but numbers dip
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- A Pentagon report shows more U.S. troops are reporting unwanted sexual contact, with 33% of affected active duty personnel reporting incidents in fiscal year 2025, up from 25% in 2023.
- Despite increased reporting, the overall prevalence of unwanted sexual contact decreased, with 20,492 service members (9,860 women and 10,632 men) reporting such experiences in the confidential survey.
- Reported sexual assaults dropped slightly to 7,998 in 2025 from 8,195 in 2024, while unwanted sexual contact and sexual harassment rates declined for both men and women.
- Younger and junior enlisted personnel remain at higher risk for unwanted sexual contact compared to older and higher-ranking service members.
- The Pentagon emphasizes sexual assault prevention as a readiness priority and commits to strengthening deterrence, victim care, and accountability efforts under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership.
