More than 20,000 sexual assaults occurred in the US military in 2025

The Pentagon, the headquarters of the US Department of Defense, announced this information in a statement on Friday.

The Pentagon's statement, however, claims that sexual assault crimes are decreasing in the US military. The argument for this claim is that the number of crimes related to sexual assault committed in 2025 was about 8,500 fewer than the number of crimes related to sexual assault that occurred in the US defense forces two years ago, that is, in 2023.

The Pentagon's statement also said that the names of both male and female military officers and members are on the list of perpetrators in sexual assault incidents in the US defense forces. Compared to 2023, a trend of decreasing sexual assaults has been observed in 2025 among both male and female military officers and members. In percentage terms, the rate of female military officers and members accused of assault in the US defense forces has decreased by 24.7 percent in two years, and the rate has decreased by 17.5 percent among male military officers and members.

In addition, the rate of sexual assault crimes in the US defense forces has also increased in two years. According to the Pentagon statement, only 25 percent of sexual assaults that occurred in the US defense forces in 2023 were submitted to the relevant authorities in the form of complaints. In 2025, this rate reached 33 percent.

In the statement, the Pentagon encouraged military officers and members to submit written complaints about sexual assault incidents that occurred in the military. In this regard, it was said that formal or formal complaints are very important to connect affected military members with medical, psychological and other restorative care, and at the same time, to enable military authorities to investigate the allegations and hold perpetrators accountable.

"Dignity, honor, and discipline are the foundation of the warrior ideal and the overall readiness of the force," said Anthony J. Tata, Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness at the U.S. Department of Defense. "Sexual assault and harassment undermine these values, erode trust, and threaten the success of military operations."

He said the administration under President Donald Trump is committed to protecting the U.S. military, maintaining high standards, and building a unified, capable, and ready force. This report reflects that commitment.

Source: AFP, NDTV World