Pentagon report continues to show a downward trend of sexual assaults in the military

WASHINGTON — Thousands fewer active-duty service members experienced sexual assaults or sexual harassment last year than in 2023, according to a Pentagon report released Friday.

“Dignity, respect and discipline are foundational to the warrior ethos and the overall preparedness of the force. Sexual assault and sexual harassment undermine these values, eroding trust and threatening the mission,” Anthony Tata, the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said in a statement.

The Pentagon reported that 8,500 fewer active-duty service members experienced unwanted sexual contact in fiscal year 2025 than in 2023 based on confidential surveys that the Defense Department sends active-duty troops every other year. The report estimates that 20,492 service members experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact. The survey categorized unwanted contact as ranging from penetrative to attempted sexual assault crimes prohibited by military law.

The Defense Department conducts the Workplace Experiences Survey of Military Members, a biennial confidential survey, to get a clearer understanding of the problem.

The estimated rate of unwanted sexual contact for active-duty women decreased from 6.8% to 4.3%, and the estimated rate of unwanted sexual contact for active-duty men decreased from 1.3% to 1.0%.

The Pentagon used these rates to estimate how many service members experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact.

There were 7,998 reported sexual assaults in 2025 involving members of the military, slightly down from 8,195 in 2024. Of the total, 6,843 service members reported sexual assault during their military service.

The latest report also shows that the prevalence of sexual harassment within the active-duty force decreased between 2023 and 2025.

The estimated rate of sexual harassment for active-duty men decreased from 5.8% to 4.4% and the estimated rate of sexual harassment for active-duty women decreased from 24.7% to 17.5%.

Also, reporting of sexual assault incidents by active-duty service members increased from 25% in 2023 to 33% in 2025.

“The (fiscal year) 2025 report underscores our ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards, protecting our people, and building a unified, ready and lethal fighting force,” Tata said.