For the past 15 years, the United States Pentagon has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to fight sexual harassment and assault in all branches of the military. Despite this, sexual assault continues to be a glaring problem. Despite these efforts and a zero-tolerance policy, military sexual assault survivors claim that they are being failed by their leaders. Incidents of sexual assault and rape are increasing, while the number of cases being sent to court martial is decreasing.

The following statistics are provided by the Department of Defense:

• The Army and the Navy have the most reported incidents of sexual assault and rape of all the military branches
• Members of the Army made 2,684 reports of sexual assault in fiscal year 2019
• Members of the Navy made 1,676 reports of sexual assault in fiscal year 2019
• There were 7,825 reports of sexual assault across all four military branches in fiscal year 2019 by or about military members (a three-percent increase for the year)

An anonymous survey is conducted by the Pentagon every two years that provides a deeper view of sexual assault in the military than the data outlined above. The survey, which was released in 2019, found that the number of sexual assaults increased from 14,900 in 2016 to 20,500 in 2018.

Challenges for servicepeople accused of sexual assault

These types of cases will typically be handled Judge Advocate Generals, as opposed to civilian attorneys, under Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. There may be times, however, when the accused may work with a civilian attorney as well, ultimately allowing the accused to assemble his or her own team of attorneys for the case. Civilian defense attorneys can also help if:

• The accuser is a civilian and the accused is in the service
• The accuser is in the service and the accused is a civilian
• The alleged assault took place off base
• The alleged assault involved a cadet

If you have been accused of sexual assault, you should not wait to contact a defense lawyer. Not only do you face potential incarceration, fines, and loss of freedoms, but your military career could be in jeopardy, too. Call Carey Law Office in Bowie or Crofton to learn how we can help: 301-464-2500, or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation today.