Sexual Assaults at West Point Nearly Double

The number of reported sexual assaults at the U.S. Military Academy practically doubled in the past year.

During the 2016-2017 school year, 50 sexual assaults were reported, as opposed to 26 in 2015-2016, reports ABC from an annual report on sexual assault from the three military service academies.

“We are absolutely committed to making the Academies safe,” Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Robert Wilkie said in a press release. “It is imperative that these future officers understand how eliminating sexual harassment and assault advances our ability to protect the nation.”

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This marks the fourth year in a row that reported sexual assaults increased at Army.

Officials at West Point believe the increased number is due to their effort to encourage victims to report their stories.

“I’m very encouraged by the reporting,” Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen, superintendent at West Point said to the Associated Press. “We did a complete review of our strategy. We went after increased reporting."

While the number of reported sexual assaults nearly doubled at West Point, the other service academies only saw slight increases.

Both the Naval Academy and Air Force Academy saw an increase of one reported sexual assault. Navy rose from 28 to 29, Air Force 32 to 33.