Marines: Officials encourage male victims to report sexual assault crimes
Officials encourage male victims to report sexual assault crimes:
While the number of reported sexual assaults shot up sharply in 2013, defense officials said that based on survey data and other information, they believe the increase was largely due to victims feeling more comfortable coming forward.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered six initiatives for the military, including the review of alcohol sales which addresses the risks of alcohol being used as a weapon by predators who might ply a victim with drinks before attacking.
“Sexual assault is a clear threat to the lives and the well-being of the women and men who serve our country in uniform. It destroys the bonds of trust and confidence that lie at the heart of our armed forces,” Hagel said in an article written by Washington Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor titled “Pentagon encouraging male victims of sexual assault to speak up.”
