Military Personnel: DOD's and the Coast Guard's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Programs Face Implementation and Oversight Challenges

Abstract : In 2004, Congress directed the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a comprehensive policy to prevent and respond to sexual assaults involving service members. Though not required to do so, the Coast Guard has established a similar policy. In response to congressional requests and Senate Report No. 110-77, GAO evaluated the extent to which DoD and the Coast Guard have done the following: (1) developed and implemented policies and programs to prevent, respond to, and resolve sexual assault incidents involving service members; (2) ensured visibility over reports of sexual assault involving service members; and (3) exercised oversight over reports of sexual assault involving service members. To conduct this review, GAO reviewed legislative requirements and DoD and Coast Guard guidance; analyzed sexual assault incident data; and obtained through surveys and interviews the perspective on sexual assault matters of more than 3,900 service members. GAO is suggesting that Congress consider requiring the Coast Guard to submit data to Congress on reported sexual assaults involving its members. GAO is also making a total of 11 recommendations to improve implementation of DoD's and the Coast Guard's programs, such as by reviewing and evaluating guidance and training, and to improve oversight of the programs. DoD and the Coast Guard concurred with GAO's recommendations.