Official Pentagon data for FY2025 shows a further US military assault decline, with estimated unwanted sexual contact falling among active-duty women and men. The 2025 survey also found a higher reporting rate, while total sexual assault reports declined from recent years.
Pentagon data
The FY2025 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military found that estimated unwanted sexual contact fell across the active-duty force. According to the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, the estimate dropped from 29,061 affected service members in FY2023 to 20,492 in FY2025.
The Department provided the report to Congress on August 12, 2026, while its FY2025 fact sheet is dated August 21. The review combines official reporting data with findings from the congressionally mandated Workplace Experiences Survey.
Assault rates
Among active-duty women, the estimated prevalence rate declined from 6.8% in FY2023 to 4.3% in FY2025. For active-duty men, it fell from 1.3% to 1.0%. The results mark another survey showing improvement after higher levels recorded in 2021.
Sexual harassment estimates also declined. The rate among women fell from 24.7% to 17.5%, while the rate among men decreased from 5.8% to 4.4%. The figures suggest progress, but they also show that sexual misconduct remains a significant concern.
Reporting
The Department received 7,998 reports of sexual assault in FY2025 involving service members as victims or alleged offenders. Of those, 5,022 were unrestricted reports and 2,976 were restricted reports. The total was lower than the 8,195 reports recorded in FY2024 and 8,515 in FY2023.
The estimated reporting rate rose to 33% in FY2025 from 25% in FY2023. Officials said 6,843 active-duty service members made reports involving assaults experienced during military service.
2025 survey
The Workplace Experiences Survey helps measure incidents that may never appear in formal case totals. Anonymous responses allow analysts to estimate the broader prevalence of unwanted sexual contact across the force.
The Department said higher reporting can connect victims with care and support accountability. It also reported sufficient evidence to take disciplinary action in 2,220 cases involving individuals investigated over sexual assault allegations.
DoD response
The Department said sexual assault and harassment damage trust, discipline, cohesion and readiness. Its response includes prevention efforts, victim assistance, stronger command climates and measures intended to increase confidence in reporting systems.
The FY2025 findings show measurable improvement, but an estimated 20,492 affected service members remains a serious figure. Sustaining the decline will depend on prevention, credible accountability and continued trust in support systems.
