Report: Sexual assault cases in U.S. military decrease by 4%

(The Center Square) – New data from the U.S. Department of Defense reveals 320 fewer reports of sexual assault in the U.S. military in 2024 than in 2023.

According to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, the DOD received 8,195 reports of sexual assault from service members in fiscal year 2024, a 4% drop from 8,515 reports in fiscal year 2023.

Of those cases in 2024, 4,292 were decided on. The Special Trial Counsel and military commanders considered 3,233 cases for possible action and had “sufficient evidence” to take disciplinary action in 2,128 of those cases.

Only 26 cases, or 1% of total accusations, were determined to be baseless. 

Reports of sexual assault in the military have more than doubled since 2011, with the most significant spike occurring from 2012 to 2013.

"The Department owes our Service members a workplace with high standards and an environment that fosters trust, collaboration, and results,” acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Tim Dill said Thursday. “This report underscores the Department's continuing commitment to reducing harmful behaviors and countering sexual assault to help shape the ready, lethal fighting force required to achieve peace through strength."

In 2024, the federal government allocated $883.7 billion taxpayer dollars to the DOD’s budget, almost half of the federal government’s total discretionary spending.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has also failed seven audits in a row, prompting lawmakers to demand fiscal transparency as President Donald Trump looks to boost military spending.