Sex assaults doubled at U.S. Military Academy

WASHINGTON» The number of sexual assaults reported at the U.S. Military Academy roughly doubled during the past school year, according to data reviewed by The Associated Press, in the latest example of the armed forces’ persistent struggle to root out such misbehavior.

It’s the fourth year in a row that sexual assault reports increased at the school in West Point, N.Y. There were 50 cases in the school year that ended last summer, compared with 26 made during the 2015-16 school year. By comparison, the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and the Air Force Academy saw only slight increases.

Defense Department and West Point officials said the big jump at the WEst Point resulted from a concerted effort to encourage victims to come forward. But the dramatic and consistent increases may suggest more assaults are happening.

“I’m very encouraged by the reporting,” Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen, superintendent at West Point, said. “I recognize that people are not going to understand” the desire for increased reporting, he said. But, he added, “I’ve got the steel stomach to take the criticism.”

The annual report on sexual assaults at the three military academies is due out this month. The Naval Academy’s reports increased to 29 last year from 28. The Air Force Academy’s edged up by one, to 33.

About 12,000 students are enrolled across all three institutions. The AP reviewed the data before its public release.

The report highlights persistent problems within the Air Force Academy’s sexual assault prevention office.

Staffing and management issues led to sweeping disciplinary actions, the resignation of the director and an office restructuring.

Air Force Capt. Matthew Chism, an academy spokesman, said leaders are confident they have addressed the issues in the office. He said they will “continue to scrutinize our efforts and remain transparent.

Galbreath said he recommended all military service leaders increase oversight of sexual assault prevention offices.