 Plain and simple, the problem of male sexual assault in the military is real. But no one needs to face the trauma alone, because you are not alone. Sexual assault and coping with the aftermath is one of the most intense personal battles a man can face. We know men in the military are almost three times more likely than women to characterize their sexual assault as hazing. Some men experience this as a grab or a grope. For others, it's something more intrusive. Sexual assault is real, and it's like surviving combat. Men in the military train for attacks from enemy forces, but are unprepared to deal with these types of attacks. This is mostly because these unwanted experiences are likely to come from someone they know and even trust. For nearly 60% of men, sexual assaults happen where they feel safest, at a military installation or on board a ship. And for well over a third of military men, sexual assaults happen off base. But there is help, there is a battle plan. There are resources you need to know about, and support is just a call or a click away. You can reach out confidentially to people ready to talk to warriors like you. They've helped others who've been there, men like you, who've gone on to combat their concerns and strengthen their resiliency. They know first hand about stigma and trauma. They understand the hell someone can go through. They know sexual assault is not only a woman's issue, and they also know about survival. It's important for you to know that you are not alone. Other men have overcome the traumatic effect of combat conditions and of sexual assault. However, everyone who has experienced this crime also had to consider taking the first step. They had to summon a warrior's courage to acknowledge that sexual assault is not okay and decide to talk to someone. People are starting to speak up more than ever before. The number of official sexual assault reports received last year by the DOD increased. Troops understand that now there's dedicated leadership and calls to action in the DOD for reporting and protection. Still, sexual assault in the military is underreported. Why? One reason is because men mistakenly think it isn't serious enough to bother with. Or that the perpetrator only did it that one time. To him. We're here to say no. It happens. To more men than it should. And that some perpetrators do it many times hoping the shame and embarrassment will silence those who should not be silenced. Thankfully, we have trained professionals to guide you. There are victim advocates and a sexual assault response coordinator, or SARC, at your base. As well as the 24-7 anonymous safe helpline available by phone and online. Plus, there's an app to help you check your health and confidential group chat services. There are also other assistance and private consultation programs available to you. We live by a code in the military. It's called the Uniform Code Military Justice, or UCMJ. The UCMJ is the law in the military that prohibits certain behavior. Specifically, Article 120 of the UCMJ prohibits rape and sexual assault. Sexual contact without your consent is against the law, regardless of the situation or who is doing it. The UCMJ applies to all members of the U.S. armed forces, everywhere. It also outlaws sexual harassment and retaliation. It's in place to ensure everyone who serves can do so in a climate of dignity and respect. It's said that every journey begins with a first step. The sexual assault prevention and response program can help you do that. In fact, your first step can be as private and confidential as you'd like it to be. Talking to a SARC or a SAPRA victim advocate can help you see what resources are out there. They can help you plan and work out what's right for you. You can make an unrestricted report in work with law enforcement, or you can make a restricted report without triggering an investigation and keep the matter confidential. Both of these options give everyone who reports a sexual assault confidential access to health care, victim assistance and spiritual support. There's also legal counsel to help you exercise your rights and navigate the military justice system as well as counseling services to help empower you every step of the way. Of course, we all want to stop sexual assault in its tracks. We want to stop it before it begins. But that can only happen when people are willing to take a stand, speak up and refuse to be silent, because change will never happen until we all have the courage to do something about it. Our commitment is to let you know there are options and resources, and most importantly, support. No one should have to experience sexual assault as part of their service to America. When you look to your left and right information, those by your side should be the people you trust, both on the battlefield and off. Demand the respect you deserve. With the same level of engagement you uphold as a member in the U.S. military charged to serve your country. No soldier, sailor, marine, airman or guardian has to tolerate being a victim of sexual assault. When it comes to sexual assault, speaking up fuels change.