The U.S. navy’s requirements for investigating sexual assault claims will stay unchanged, a senior official advised reporters on Thursday, because it launches a separate department-wide overview into how discrimination claims are dealt with basically.
The promise additionally comes because the Protection Division faces a possible lack of personnel obtainable to course of sexual assault circumstances attributable to efforts by the Trump administration to trim employees throughout authorities.
“On the finish of the day, the usual of proof stays the identical with regard to any sexual harassment grievance,” stated Dr. Nathan Galbreath, director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Workplace.
“To that finish, all complaints are reviewed, the proof is analyzed, and a authorized officer typically opines on whether or not or not motion could be taken,” Galbreath advised reporters in a briefing name on monitoring sexual assault circumstances within the navy.
Final week, Secretary of Protection Pete Hegseth known as on service secretaries to overview equal alternative packages to make sure discrimination complaints weren’t being “weaponized” by disgruntled workers.
The navy tracks sexual harassment complaints via its equal alternative personnel.
In his April 23 directive, Hegseth particularly known as on secretaries to make sure “complaints which are unsubstantiated by actionable, credible proof are well timed dismissed.” He known as it the “no extra strolling on eggshells coverage.”
“Too typically, on the Protection Division, there are complaints made that for sure causes that may’t be verified that finish individuals’s careers,” Hegseth stated in a video posted on X.
“Some people use these packages in dangerous religion to retaliate towards superiors or friends. I hear that on a regular basis,” he stated of common discrimination complaints.
With regards to sexual assault, unfounded claims are terribly uncommon. Based on the navy, 1% of circumstances contain proof that both exonerates the particular person accused or exhibits the crime didn’t happen.
When requested if Hegseth’s newest mandate will increase the usual of proof for sexual assault victims, Galbreath stated “no.”
President Donald Trump additionally requested the Pentagon to overview rules which are probably burdensome and streamline operations, an effort that resulted in provides to workers for early retirement in addition to hiring freezes throughout the division.
Galbreath and different officers advised reporters Thursday that they are not certain precisely how the navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program can be affected simply but.
When a latest hiring freeze went into impact, there have been about 300 sexual assault prevention jobs placed on maintain, stated Dr. Andra Tharp, director of the Protection Division’s workplace of command local weather and well-being integration.
“We’re actually making an attempt to get our arms round whole impacts of that,” she stated.
Tharp stated she is encouraging the providers to hunt hiring exemptions for sexual assault response coordinators and sufferer advocates.
The Division of Protection brand is seen on the wall within the Press Briefing room on the Pentagon, Oct. 29, 2024, in Washington.
Kevin Wolf/AP
Galbreath stated that 100% of sufferer providers stay obtainable now and that sexual assault response coordinators and sufferer advocates are stationed at each navy set up around the globe.
The variety of sexual assaults reported throughout the navy fell by practically 4% final 12 months, in line with knowledge launched by the division.
The report is the primary full-year account for the reason that Pentagon put in place new prosecution procedures that empower unbiased attorneys, slightly than navy commanders. The adjustments have been known as for by lawmakers who stated not sufficient was being performed to encourage personnel to report assault.
“Though we might wish to see the variety of stories enhance, I am nonetheless very glad that our navy members know that they will come ahead,” and “get the assistance that they should get well,” stated Galbreath.
