Why GAO Did This Study
Since 2004, Congress has continually taken steps to address sexual assault in the military. For example, Congress has required the development of policy and the tracking and reporting of data regarding sexual assaults. However, reports of sexual assault continue to rise, according to DOD, and in a January 2021 memo, the Secretary of Defense noted that despite years of work in the area, the department must do more.
Drawing from ongoing and prior work, this statement (1) describes the statutory requirements concerning sexual assault prevention and response in the military that were contained in the NDAAs from fiscal years 2004 to 2019, and (2) discusses whether there are areas where DOD can provide focus to further address sexual assault. GAO reviewed the NDAAs to identify requirements related to sexual assault as well as their status and category. GAO also reviewed prior reports, obtained information on recommendation implementation, and interviewed DOD officials.
Recommendations
GAO has made more than 30 recommendations in prior work specifically related to DOD's efforts to prevent sexual assault and address the needs of certain populations in its sexual assault prevention and response efforts. DOD has made progress in addressing some of the recommendations, but sustained leadership attention is needed to ensure that the remainder of these recommendations are addressed.
Full Report
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