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SUBJ/SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE MILITARY//

RMKS/1.  The Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Assault in
the Military for Fiscal Year 2018 was recently released and the key
findings highlight critical challenges that must be addressed.

2.  Sailors and Marines, male and female, continue to experience
sexual assault at unacceptable rates.  These criminal behaviors harm
our people and undermine mission readiness.  Leaders at every level
must be observant, actively monitoring their command climates, and
promoting a healthy working environment free from the threat of
sexual assault.

3.  Retaliation for reporting sexual assault is counter to our core
values and will not be tolerated.  We must be vigilant to acts of
retaliation and hold personnel appropriately accountable.
Combatting these destructive and criminal behaviors
requires leadership engagement throughout the chain of command.

4.  We must continue to ensure all men and women are empowered to
report sexual assault and sexual harassment.  That is why in the
coming months we, in coordination with our sister services, will
implement a series of initiatives that range from measures improving
the prevention of sexual assault and sexual harassment to
strengthening accountability mechanisms.  There is no place for
sexual assault or sexual harassment in the Department of the Navy.

5.  The strength of the Navy and Marine Corps team begins with our
core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.  Sexual Assault is a
violation of our values and I urge everyone to be unrelenting in
combatting these acts within our ranks.  There is no place for
sexual assault or sexual harassment in the Department of the
Navy.  Together we can do better.

6.  Released by the Honorable Richard V. Spencer, Secretary of the
Navy.

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