The Department of Defense released the results of the second annual report on the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program.

The report addresses data on alleged sexual assaults that were reported during 2005 in which members of the armed forces are victims or offenders.

The Air Force received 584 reports of alleged sexual assault -- an increase of 28 percent over the prior year. One hundred eighty-one reports made under the restricted reporting option accounted for the increase. Twenty-nine of the restricted reports later moved to an unrestricted report, meaning that an investigation was opened.

“This is exactly what we expected would happen,” said Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, Air Force deputy chief of staff, manpower and personnel. “Increased reporting gets people the help they need, and hopefully will lead to a more complete report from which we can take appropriate action.

"And, through our educational efforts, we are strengthening a culture where Airmen step up, hold each other accountable and help in preventing sexual assault," he said. "This cannot and will not be a one-time effort. It must become part of the very fiber of who we are in order to effect lasting change.”

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, sexual assault is the nation’s most underreported violent crime.

There are a number of barriers that discourage victims from reporting to investigators and the command said Claudia Bayliff, chief of the Air Force sexual assault prevention and response office. The Air Force is focusing on eliminating those barriers. Since June, military victims of sexual assault have been offered a restricted reporting option, which allows those who have been sexually assaulted to receive medical treatment and support without automatically triggering a criminal investigation.

The Air Force encourages victims to report the crime so it may be investigated and prosecuted. However, the restricted reporting option provides victims who may not be able to immediately take that step, with the care, support and time to make an informed decision.

Nationally, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is observed in April and is dedicated to raising awareness about the nature and prevalence of this crime and to increase prevention efforts.

Significant strides have been made in Air Force prevention and response efforts over the past year, said Air Force officials. Over 360,000 Airmen worldwide have received awareness training. sexual assault response coordinators and victim advocates have been trained and are engaged in prevention efforts and providing assistance to victims.

The Air Force has been aggressively addressing this national problem, said Ms. Bayliff. The message from senior leadership is clear. Sexual assault is criminal behavior and contrary to the high standards of our service.