DOD establishes additional sexual assault hot line Published March 5, 2004 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Department of Defense announced March 4 that an additional toll-free telephone number has been established for people who want to contact or provide information to the Department of Defense Task Force on Care for Victims of Sexual Assault.The number, (800) 497-6261, is staffed 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld recently ordered a senior-level inquiry into the reported sexual assaults in Iraq and Kuwait, and how the armed services treat victims of sexual assault. Army and Air Force officials have opened similar investigations.David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said that the findings of the 90-day review are due by April 30.“Every servicemember deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity,” Mr. Chu said. “Sexual assault is criminal conduct and will not be tolerated in the Department of Defense.”Mr. Chu said he believes the information from the call center will help the task force and defense officials in developing policies and programs to improve assistance for victims of assaults and enhance efforts at prevention.