An Exploration of Factors Influencing Bystander Reporting of Sexual Assault in the Military

Sexual assault in the military is a pervasive problem affecting both male and females, and military sexual assault incidents are frequently observed by at least one other person, yet research by the U.S Government Accountability Office (2008) suggests that much military sexual assault is unreported. What influences bystanders to report what they have observed? The purpose of this study is to review the factors contributing to the likelihood of military bystanders, reporting incidents of military sexual assault. We will explore the influences of the culture of reporting, the type and quality of sexual assault training programs whether observers are clear where and how to report, and the extent to which bystanders feel reinforced and safe in reporting or fear negative responses by the perpetrator or others