US military says standards for investigating sex assault claims to remain unchanged

The U.S. military is standing firm on its standards for investigating sexual assault claims, despite ongoing changes within the Defense Department. In a recent briefing, Dr. Nathan Galbreath, director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, reassured reporters that the process for handling sexual harassment complaints will remain unchanged.

This commitment comes as the Pentagon faces potential staffing challenges due to government-wide efforts to reduce personnel numbers. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has also called for a review of equal opportunity programs to prevent discrimination complaints from being misused or “weaponized” by individuals with ulterior motives.

The military takes sexual harassment complaints seriously and ensures that all claims are thoroughly reviewed and analyzed. Galbreath emphasized that the standard of proof for these cases will not be raised, despite recent directives from higher authorities.

President Donald Trump’s push to streamline operations and reduce regulations has also impacted the Defense Department, leading to hiring freezes and early retirement offers for employees. The exact impact on the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program is still uncertain, with approximately 300 sexual assault prevention jobs put on hold during a recent hiring freeze.

Dr. Andra Tharp, director of the Defense Department’s office of command climate and well-being integration, is working to mitigate the effects of these staffing changes by advocating for hiring exemptions for key positions like sexual assault response coordinators and victim advocates.

Despite these challenges, Galbreath assured that victim services remain fully operational, with support available at every military installation worldwide. The latest data shows a slight decrease in reported sexual assaults across the military, attributed in part to new prosecution procedures that empower independent lawyers to handle cases instead of military commanders.

While the goal is to encourage more personnel to come forward and report assaults, Galbreath expressed satisfaction in knowing that military members feel supported and empowered to seek help when needed. The commitment to addressing sexual assault within the military remains steadfast, with a focus on providing comprehensive support and resources to survivors.