Coast Guard releases action plan to prevent sexual assault, support survivors

The Coast Guard’s Sexual Assault Prevention, Response and Recovery Action plan includes 17 specific actions and a timeline for implementation.

The Coast Guard released a detailed action plan to prevent and respond to sexual assaults following years of scrutiny from veterans and Congress. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday testifies on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Washington. The Coast Guard released a detailed action plan to prevent and respond to sexual assaults within the ranks following years of scrutiny from veterans and Congress that the service was failing to follow its own policies and support victims. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) The Coast Guard on Thursday released a detailed action plan to prevent and respond to sexual assaults within the ranks following years of scrutiny from veterans and Congress that the service was failing to follow its own policies and support victims.

“Our people are our greatest treasure. We have a sacred duty to take the very best care of our teammates,” Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, Coast Guard commandant, said in a statement. “Every Coast Guard man and woman – active duty, reserve, civilian, and Auxiliary – has a duty to take action to prevent and respond to sexual assault. Every one of us will act with the same courage and bias for action expected of us in rescuing someone in peril at sea.” The Sexual Assault Prevention, Response and Recovery Action plan includes 17 specific actions and a timeline for