Sexual assault is a big topic in the military only because the numbers seem to continue to rise without a response. According to Merriam-Webster.com, sexual assault is "unlawful sexual contact that usually involves force on a person without consent or is inflicted on a person who is incapable of giving consent because of age, his physical or mental incapacity. Sexual assault is illegal, which means a legal justice system is necessary to judge. Is the reason why the numbers are increasing because the military is not handling these cases within a legal framework or is it because the victims do not want to lobby for legal sanctions? Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay There is never really a complete answer to “Why does sexual assault happen?” » I think the most common incidents of sexual assault in the military are alcohol-related. Alcohol impairs your judgment and bodily functions. A person who doesn't know their drinking limits or doesn't have good friends nearby makes it easier for predators to attack them. These offenders pray for individuals who appear desperate and incapable of making rational decisions. I believe the military's approach to training could reduce the risk of sexual assault. The reason I say it's possible is because many military members don't take the SHARP program seriously until they find themselves in a sexual assault situation. Some feel like it's just another training that they simply have to attend and be marked as attending the training. The SHARP program, also known as the Sexual Harassment Intervention/Response and Prevention Program, was created to help prevent sexual harassment/assault before it happens and is also a guide to help those who have been put in a situation of sexual harassment/assault. Inform people about how to report the incident and what makes it restricted or unrestricted. The military has two types of reporting options. Restricted reporting “allows the victim to report the crime to specified individuals who can then ensure that the victim receives medical care, SARC or VA assistance, treatment, and counseling without notifying command or law enforcement. order". This gives the victim time to decide if they want to report this crime to law enforcement. The second option Unrestricted reporting provides the same medical care as restricted reporting but includes a formal investigation of the crime. “The treatment provider will also conduct a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) during which they will collect evidence from the victim of the assault. The victim's chain of command will be notified, but details regarding the incident will be limited to only personnel who have a legitimate need to know. With both types of reporting options, if the victim chooses Restricted, they can change to Unrestricted at any time. They cannot change from Unrestricted to Restricted. Honestly, the victim has the choice to report the crime however they wish. So, with this information, why do the numbers continue to rise? Perhaps victims use restricted reporting more than unrestricted reporting. I often hear that restricted reporting is the most commonly used reporting in the military. When a victim.