DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response: What You Need to Know

Defense Department senior leaders look at the Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military as a call to arms against this crime. For the first time since 2012, the incidence of sexual assault against young women rose.

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Video by Army Staff Sgt. Vanessa Atchley, DOD

Elizabeth P. Van Winkle, the executive director of DOD's office of force resiliency, spoke about the way forward and the recommendations put forth by a task force looking at the problem.  

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Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Wayne Troxell, the senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke of the responsibility of leaders — especially junior leaders — to set the example and foster an environment of dignity and respect in their command.

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Video by Army Staff Sgt. Vanessa Atchley, DOD

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Video by Army Staff Sgt. Vanessa Atchley, DOD

Navy Rear Adm. Ann M. Burkhardt, the director of DOD's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, spoke of the systems DOD has in place to help the victims of this crime.

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Acting Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan has issued a memorandum on actions to address and prevent sexual assault in the military. "I am, and we all must be, committed to doing more for the women and men who serve this country and ensuring our force is the epitome of good order and discipline in everything we do," he said.