Sexual Assaults In Military Continue To Climb

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says there's been some ``real progress,'' but critics are troubled by an increase in sexual assaults among the military.

New data shows nearly 6,000 sexual assaults reported in 2014 by service members, a nearly 8 percent increase. More than 60 percent of the women who filed reports said they faced retaliation.

A new anonymous survey showed victims are becoming more willing to come forward. An anonymous survey conducted by the Rand Corp. shows only about 1 in every 4 victims filed a report this year. But that was an increase from 2012, when only about 1 in every 10 military victims came forward. Hagel called that portion of the report good news but that military still has ``a long way to go.''

The reports come as some in Congress continue to press for an overhaul of the military justice system to change the way that sexual assault cases are handled. Critics say prosecutors, not commanders, should have authority.