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The Case Analysis of Reported Sexual Assault Perpetration by Airmen Highlighted Several Key Themes That Have Implications for Air Force Policies and Programs

• Victims and suspects showed some confusion about whether certain incidents constituted sexual assault and should thus be reported. Examples include sexual assault that occurs after consensual sexual activities have begun or when previous sexual activities were consensual.
• Although uncommon, reported offenders who sexually assaulted a spouse or intimate partner were noteworthy for often showing histories of violence or other problematic behaviors.
• Some offenders later offer apologies or denials or make other attempts to persuade others not to report a sexual assault.
• Norms of group socializing with alcohol often played a role in perpetration.
• Some offenders take advantage of those who trust that they can safely get drunk with fellow airmen and share rides or sleeping space afterward to avoid drunk driving.
• Many offenders were themselves intoxicated at the time of the sexual assault.
• Sexual assaults by airmen outside the continental United States also typically involved alcohol.

The Observed Patterns of Behavior Are Not Unique to Airmen

• Although offenders who are airmen may take advantage of situations and settings particular to the Air Force, elements of military culture, or their position within the organization, their general patterns of behavior also appear within the literature on sexual assault in other military organizations and, more broadly, in civilian society.