Sexual Assault and Harassment in the Military
Sexual assault and harassment are serious problems in the military. To end criminal behavior and ensure we have the best military possible, it’s vital that we improve efforts to prevent and respond to assault and harassment.
What’s at Stake Today
Despite heightened attention to sexual assault in the military, it remains a serious problem, as does sexual harassment, which has not received the attention it deserves. In both instances, until perpetrators see that they’ll be held accountable, under a fair adjudicatory system, we aren’t likely to see a significant reduction in assaults or harassment.
What Is NWLC Doing?
It’s time to stand up for survivors of sexual assault and harassment ― and fix a system that’s not working.
The military justice system needs real reform. We advocate for legislation that would reform the military justice system by moving the decision-making on whether and how to prosecute sexual assault out of the chain of command and giving these decisions to experienced military prosecutors.
The military system for preventing and responding to sexual harassment, which often escalates to sexual assault, needs reform, too. We advocate for improvements in the system that have proved effective in the federal civilian workforce, including independent decision-making and rights of appeal.