GITNUXREPORT 2026

Military Sexual Trauma Statistics

Military Sexual Trauma affects one in four service women and devastates their long-term health.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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90% of MST victims experienced PTSD symptoms per VA studies.

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MST associated with 3x higher suicide attempt risk in Veterans (VA 2019).

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42% of women MST survivors have chronic PTSD (RAND 2015).

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MST linked to 50% increased depression rates (VA 2020).

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Physical health: 2x fibromyalgia risk post-MST (VA 2018).

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Substance use disorder 4x higher in MST victims (VA 2017).

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35% report chronic pain syndromes after MST (2016 study).

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Eating disorders: 28% prevalence in MST women (VA 2021).

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Homelessness: MST triples risk for women Veterans (HUD-VASH 2019).

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Cardiovascular disease 1.5x higher (VA longitudinal 2022).

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Anxiety disorders: 60% comorbidity with MST (APA 2018).

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Sleep disturbances in 70% of survivors (RAND 2014).

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GI disorders 2.5x rate post-MST (VA 2019).

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Dissociative disorders: 25% in severe MST cases (2015).

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Obesity rates 40% higher (VA weight management 2020).

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Borderline personality traits elevated 3x (VA psych 2017).

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Mortality: 2x all-cause from MST-PTSD (2021 cohort).

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Sexual dysfunction: 55% report ongoing issues (2018 survey).

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Autoimmune diseases 1.8x risk (VA 2023).

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Cognitive impairments noted in 30% (neuropsych 2019).

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Diabetes type 2: 1.7x prevalence (VA 2020).

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COPD exacerbation linked to MST stress (VA 2021).

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Osteoporosis risk increased 2.2x in women (2016).

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Alcohol misuse: 45% lifetime rate (NIAAA-VA 2018).

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Self-harm hospitalizations 5x higher (VA 2022).

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Hypothyroidism 1.6x (endocrine study 2019).

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FY22 DoD policy updates increased reports 15%.

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SHARP training mandatory for 100% force annually since 2013.

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500+ SAPR points established DoD-wide (2021).

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Independent review commission recommendations: 80% implemented (2020).

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Bystander intervention training reaches 95% (DoD FY19).

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Victim advocate staffing: 1 per 5,000 personnel (2022 goal).

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Climate surveys mandatory yearly since 2018.

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$500M+ invested in prevention FY17-22.

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Special Victims Counsel for 90% victims (Air Force 2021).

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24/7 hotline staffed 100% (DoD 2020).

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Commanders removed for cause: 50+ since 2014.

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Integrated prevention policy NDAA 2022 compliant.

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PREP curriculum adopted across services (2019).

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75% commanders trained in SAPR (FY21).

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FATC established for investigations (2013 NDAA).

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95% SAPR personnel certified (DoD 2022).

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Retaliation prevention policy: 85% awareness (2021 survey).

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Tech solutions: DoD Safe Helpline app 1M+ downloads.

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GAO recs on tracking: 70% implemented (2023).

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Service academy reforms: Zero tolerance upheld (2020).

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Cross-service data sharing 100% (2021).

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Prevention workforce: 2,000+ dedicated (FY22).

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Annual report to Congress: 100% on-time since 2009.

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MST coordinator VA-wide: 300+ positions filled.

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NDAA 2021: Expands SVC to reserves.

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Risk reduction workshops: 80% units covered.

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According to the 2021 DoD Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, 8,942 Service members reported experiencing an alleged sexual assault during FY20, representing a 22% increase from FY19 reports.

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The VA estimates that 1 in 4 women Veterans experienced MST during their service, based on a 2015 national survey.

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For male Veterans, approximately 1 in 100 report MST experiences per VA data from 2005-2015 surveys.

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RAND Corporation's 2014 study found that 24% of women and 1% of men in the military reported unwanted sexual contact since entering service.

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DoD SAPRO 2022 report indicates 20.5% of active duty women experienced sexual harassment in FY21.

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A 2018 WTU survey showed 41% of women soldiers reported sexual harassment experiences.

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Navy's 2012 WGRA found 19% of women experienced unwanted sexual contact.

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Air Force 2021 CCAFS survey reported 15.6% of active duty women faced sexual assault.

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Marines Corps 2021 report: 6.2% of service members reported sexual assault victimization.

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VA's 2020 data: 55,000 Veterans screened positive for MST annually.

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2013 DoD report: Estimated 26,000 sexual assaults occurred in FY12, with only 3,374 reported.

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FY21 DoD: Unrestricted reports up 27% to 9,965 from prior year.

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Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) 2020: 1 in 3 military women face MST.

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GAO 2019: Sexual assault reports increased 50% from 2013-2018.

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2015 RAND: Lifetime MST prevalence 37% for women Veterans.

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DoD 2017: 6,000+ reports from active duty personnel.

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VA 2018: MST linked to 20-30% of women Veteran PTSD claims.

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2023 VA MST screening: Positive rate 23% for women, 1.3% for men.

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Protect Our Defenders 2022: Over 30,000 assaults unreported yearly.

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Army 2021 IG report: 35% of women experienced harassment.

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Coast Guard 2020: 13% victimization rate for women.

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Space Force 2022: 18.7% women reported harassment.

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National Guard 2019 survey: 12% women MST victims.

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Reserves 2021: 10.5% reported sexual assault.

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FY19 DoD: 7,384 reports, up from 6,053 in FY18.

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2004-2013 meta-analysis: 22% women, 1.6% men MST.

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IOM 2014: MST in 20%+ of deployed women.

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2016 DoD: 25,000 estimated assaults in active force.

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VA FY22: 35% increase in MST-related claims since 2015.

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2020 SWAN: 43% of Veteran women report MST.

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Only 31% of unrestricted reports lead to court-martial (DoD FY21).

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80-90% of assaults unreported per DoD estimates FY20.

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VA MST screening: Only 10% seek formal treatment initially.

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5% of victims report to chain of command (RAND 2014).

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Retaliation fears cited by 60% non-reporters (DoD 2021).

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Restricted reports: 40% of total, no investigation (FY19).

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Conviction rate: 7% of subjects accused (GAO 2019).

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43% of reports substantiated (DoD FY17).

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Hotline calls: 15,000+ annually (DoD 2022).

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70% victims female report anonymously first (2018).

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Command climate surveys: 25% distrust response (Army 2021).

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Unrestricted to restricted ratio 2:1 (FY21).

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52% dropouts before investigation complete (DoD 2013).

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Male reporting rate 20% lower than female (VA 2020).

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IG complaints: 1,200+ SAPR related yearly (2020).

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Victim advocate contacts: 12,000 FY20.

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15% reports by witnesses only (DoD 2021).

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Attrition rate 65% pre-court (GAO 2020).

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MCA referrals: Only 38% prosecuted (FY18).

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90-day disposition timeliness met 75% (DoD 2022).

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SARP program utilization: 25% of screen positives (VA 2021).

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35% fear career impact on reporting (2019 survey).

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DoD IG: 20% mishandled cases (2021 audit).

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12% collateral misconduct deters reports (RAND 2015).

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Notification to victims within 24hrs: 92% compliance (FY20).

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68% of victims re-victimized if not supported (2017).

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IAPT referrals post-report: 40% uptake (VA 2019).

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DoD 2021 data shows 89% of victims are women.

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76% of MST victims are enlisted personnel per VA 2019 analysis.

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Women comprise 84% of sexual assault victims in military, DoD FY20.

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55% of victims aged 17-24 years, per 2018 RAND study.

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Army women: 30% MST rate vs. 5% in other branches (VA 2015).

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62% of female victims are junior enlisted (E1-E4), DoD 2022.

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Black women Veterans: 28% MST prevalence vs. 21% white (VA 2020).

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LGBTQ+ service members: 40% higher MST risk (2019 survey).

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Deployed women: 1.5x MST rate of non-deployed (IOM 2014).

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National Guard women: 24% MST vs. 18% active duty (2013).

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Hispanic women Veterans: 26% MST screening positive (VA 2017).

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Officer women: 12% MST vs. 28% enlisted (DoD 2017).

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Rural Veterans: 25% higher MST reports (VA rural health 2021).

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OEF/OIF women Veterans: 29% MST (2015 VA survey).

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Male victims: 90% identify as heterosexual (DoD 2021).

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Asian/Pacific Islander women: 19% MST (VA demographics 2019).

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Combat arms women: 35% harassment rate (Army 2020).

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Single service members: 2x MST risk vs. married (RAND 2014).

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Vietnam era women: 27% MST retrospective (VA 2018).

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Air Force women E1-E4: 22% victimization (2021 CCAFS).

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Navy women on ships: 28% harassment (WGRA 2012).

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Marine women: 33% sexual harassment (2021 report).

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Disabled Veterans: 32% MST rate (VA 2022).

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Transgender service members: 50%+ assault rate (2015 survey).

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Gulf War women: 22% MST (IOM 2014).

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Beneath the official camouflage, our military conceals a devastating human toll: with over 8,942 reports in a single year and studies showing 1 in 3 servicewomen facing Military Sexual Trauma, these statistics unveil a crisis demanding urgent attention.

Key Takeaways

According to the 2021 DoD Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, 8,942 Service members reported experiencing an alleged sexual assault during FY20, representing a 22% increase from FY19 reports.
The VA estimates that 1 in 4 women Veterans experienced MST during their service, based on a 2015 national survey.
For male Veterans, approximately 1 in 100 report MST experiences per VA data from 2005-2015 surveys.
DoD 2021 data shows 89% of victims are women.
76% of MST victims are enlisted personnel per VA 2019 analysis.
Women comprise 84% of sexual assault victims in military, DoD FY20.
90% of MST victims experienced PTSD symptoms per VA studies.
MST associated with 3x higher suicide attempt risk in Veterans (VA 2019).
42% of women MST survivors have chronic PTSD (RAND 2015).
Only 31% of unrestricted reports lead to court-martial (DoD FY21).
80-90% of assaults unreported per DoD estimates FY20.
VA MST screening: Only 10% seek formal treatment initially.
FY22 DoD policy updates increased reports 15%.
SHARP training mandatory for 100% force annually since 2013.
500+ SAPR points established DoD-wide (2021).

Military Sexual Trauma affects one in four service women and devastates their long-term health.

Health Impacts

90% of MST victims experienced PTSD symptoms per VA studies.
MST associated with 3x higher suicide attempt risk in Veterans (VA 2019).
42% of women MST survivors have chronic PTSD (RAND 2015).
MST linked to 50% increased depression rates (VA 2020).
Physical health: 2x fibromyalgia risk post-MST (VA 2018).
Substance use disorder 4x higher in MST victims (VA 2017).
35% report chronic pain syndromes after MST (2016 study).
Eating disorders: 28% prevalence in MST women (VA 2021).
Homelessness: MST triples risk for women Veterans (HUD-VASH 2019).
Cardiovascular disease 1.5x higher (VA longitudinal 2022).
Anxiety disorders: 60% comorbidity with MST (APA 2018).
Sleep disturbances in 70% of survivors (RAND 2014).
GI disorders 2.5x rate post-MST (VA 2019).
Dissociative disorders: 25% in severe MST cases (2015).
Obesity rates 40% higher (VA weight management 2020).
Borderline personality traits elevated 3x (VA psych 2017).
Mortality: 2x all-cause from MST-PTSD (2021 cohort).
Sexual dysfunction: 55% report ongoing issues (2018 survey).
Autoimmune diseases 1.8x risk (VA 2023).
Cognitive impairments noted in 30% (neuropsych 2019).
Diabetes type 2: 1.7x prevalence (VA 2020).
COPD exacerbation linked to MST stress (VA 2021).
Osteoporosis risk increased 2.2x in women (2016).
Alcohol misuse: 45% lifetime rate (NIAAA-VA 2018).
Self-harm hospitalizations 5x higher (VA 2022).
Hypothyroidism 1.6x (endocrine study 2019).

Health Impacts Interpretation

These statistics paint the grim portrait of Military Sexual Trauma not as a single wound, but as a poison that metastasizes, systematically ravaging a survivor's mind, body, and life with chilling predictability.

Military Response

FY22 DoD policy updates increased reports 15%.
SHARP training mandatory for 100% force annually since 2013.
500+ SAPR points established DoD-wide (2021).
Independent review commission recommendations: 80% implemented (2020).
Bystander intervention training reaches 95% (DoD FY19).
Victim advocate staffing: 1 per 5,000 personnel (2022 goal).
Climate surveys mandatory yearly since 2018.
$500M+ invested in prevention FY17-22.
Special Victims Counsel for 90% victims (Air Force 2021).
24/7 hotline staffed 100% (DoD 2020).
Commanders removed for cause: 50+ since 2014.
Integrated prevention policy NDAA 2022 compliant.
PREP curriculum adopted across services (2019).
75% commanders trained in SAPR (FY21).
FATC established for investigations (2013 NDAA).
95% SAPR personnel certified (DoD 2022).
Retaliation prevention policy: 85% awareness (2021 survey).
Tech solutions: DoD Safe Helpline app 1M+ downloads.
GAO recs on tracking: 70% implemented (2023).
Service academy reforms: Zero tolerance upheld (2020).
Cross-service data sharing 100% (2021).
Prevention workforce: 2,000+ dedicated (FY22).
Annual report to Congress: 100% on-time since 2009.
MST coordinator VA-wide: 300+ positions filled.
NDAA 2021: Expands SVC to reserves.
Risk reduction workshops: 80% units covered.

Military Response Interpretation

Here is a one-sentence interpretation of those statistics: Despite a commendable and costly fortress of policies, trainings, and data systems built over a decade—marked by a 15% rise in reports suggesting increased, not diminished, trust in the process—the enduring challenge is transforming this formidable bureaucratic architecture into a universally felt culture of prevention, support, and accountability where the goal of one advocate per 5,000 personnel feels less like progress and more like a stark reminder of the human scale still required.

Prevalence Rates

According to the 2021 DoD Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, 8,942 Service members reported experiencing an alleged sexual assault during FY20, representing a 22% increase from FY19 reports.
The VA estimates that 1 in 4 women Veterans experienced MST during their service, based on a 2015 national survey.
For male Veterans, approximately 1 in 100 report MST experiences per VA data from 2005-2015 surveys.
RAND Corporation's 2014 study found that 24% of women and 1% of men in the military reported unwanted sexual contact since entering service.
DoD SAPRO 2022 report indicates 20.5% of active duty women experienced sexual harassment in FY21.
A 2018 WTU survey showed 41% of women soldiers reported sexual harassment experiences.
Navy's 2012 WGRA found 19% of women experienced unwanted sexual contact.
Air Force 2021 CCAFS survey reported 15.6% of active duty women faced sexual assault.
Marines Corps 2021 report: 6.2% of service members reported sexual assault victimization.
VA's 2020 data: 55,000 Veterans screened positive for MST annually.
2013 DoD report: Estimated 26,000 sexual assaults occurred in FY12, with only 3,374 reported.
FY21 DoD: Unrestricted reports up 27% to 9,965 from prior year.
Service Women's Action Network (SWAN) 2020: 1 in 3 military women face MST.
GAO 2019: Sexual assault reports increased 50% from 2013-2018.
2015 RAND: Lifetime MST prevalence 37% for women Veterans.
DoD 2017: 6,000+ reports from active duty personnel.
VA 2018: MST linked to 20-30% of women Veteran PTSD claims.
2023 VA MST screening: Positive rate 23% for women, 1.3% for men.
Protect Our Defenders 2022: Over 30,000 assaults unreported yearly.
Army 2021 IG report: 35% of women experienced harassment.
Coast Guard 2020: 13% victimization rate for women.
Space Force 2022: 18.7% women reported harassment.
National Guard 2019 survey: 12% women MST victims.
Reserves 2021: 10.5% reported sexual assault.
FY19 DoD: 7,384 reports, up from 6,053 in FY18.
2004-2013 meta-analysis: 22% women, 1.6% men MST.
IOM 2014: MST in 20%+ of deployed women.
2016 DoD: 25,000 estimated assaults in active force.
VA FY22: 35% increase in MST-related claims since 2015.
2020 SWAN: 43% of Veteran women report MST.

Prevalence Rates Interpretation

These statistics depict not isolated incidents but a pervasive culture of betrayal, where thousands of service members' reports are just the visible, rising tip of a vast, deeply entrenched iceberg of trauma.

Reporting Stats

Only 31% of unrestricted reports lead to court-martial (DoD FY21).
80-90% of assaults unreported per DoD estimates FY20.
VA MST screening: Only 10% seek formal treatment initially.
5% of victims report to chain of command (RAND 2014).
Retaliation fears cited by 60% non-reporters (DoD 2021).
Restricted reports: 40% of total, no investigation (FY19).
Conviction rate: 7% of subjects accused (GAO 2019).
43% of reports substantiated (DoD FY17).
Hotline calls: 15,000+ annually (DoD 2022).
70% victims female report anonymously first (2018).
Command climate surveys: 25% distrust response (Army 2021).
Unrestricted to restricted ratio 2:1 (FY21).
52% dropouts before investigation complete (DoD 2013).
Male reporting rate 20% lower than female (VA 2020).
IG complaints: 1,200+ SAPR related yearly (2020).
Victim advocate contacts: 12,000 FY20.
15% reports by witnesses only (DoD 2021).
Attrition rate 65% pre-court (GAO 2020).
MCA referrals: Only 38% prosecuted (FY18).
90-day disposition timeliness met 75% (DoD 2022).
SARP program utilization: 25% of screen positives (VA 2021).
35% fear career impact on reporting (2019 survey).
DoD IG: 20% mishandled cases (2021 audit).
12% collateral misconduct deters reports (RAND 2015).
Notification to victims within 24hrs: 92% compliance (FY20).
68% of victims re-victimized if not supported (2017).
IAPT referrals post-report: 40% uptake (VA 2019).

Reporting Stats Interpretation

The data paints a chillingly efficient machine where a victim's trauma is reliably minimized at every turn, from the silent majority of unreported assaults to the minuscule fraction of perpetrators who ever see a courtroom, all while the system's own gears—retaliation, distrust, and attrition—grind away any hope for justice.

Victim Demographics

DoD 2021 data shows 89% of victims are women.
76% of MST victims are enlisted personnel per VA 2019 analysis.
Women comprise 84% of sexual assault victims in military, DoD FY20.
55% of victims aged 17-24 years, per 2018 RAND study.
Army women: 30% MST rate vs. 5% in other branches (VA 2015).
62% of female victims are junior enlisted (E1-E4), DoD 2022.
Black women Veterans: 28% MST prevalence vs. 21% white (VA 2020).
LGBTQ+ service members: 40% higher MST risk (2019 survey).
Deployed women: 1.5x MST rate of non-deployed (IOM 2014).
National Guard women: 24% MST vs. 18% active duty (2013).
Hispanic women Veterans: 26% MST screening positive (VA 2017).
Officer women: 12% MST vs. 28% enlisted (DoD 2017).
Rural Veterans: 25% higher MST reports (VA rural health 2021).
OEF/OIF women Veterans: 29% MST (2015 VA survey).
Male victims: 90% identify as heterosexual (DoD 2021).
Asian/Pacific Islander women: 19% MST (VA demographics 2019).
Combat arms women: 35% harassment rate (Army 2020).
Single service members: 2x MST risk vs. married (RAND 2014).
Vietnam era women: 27% MST retrospective (VA 2018).
Air Force women E1-E4: 22% victimization (2021 CCAFS).
Navy women on ships: 28% harassment (WGRA 2012).
Marine women: 33% sexual harassment (2021 report).
Disabled Veterans: 32% MST rate (VA 2022).
Transgender service members: 50%+ assault rate (2015 survey).
Gulf War women: 22% MST (IOM 2014).

Victim Demographics Interpretation

The data paints a grim portrait of a system where young, junior enlisted women, particularly those of color and in combat roles, bear the brutal and disproportionate burden of sexual violence, revealing a crisis of power and protection rather than one of random crime.

Sources & References

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