There are stats and stats out there, and data can be presented many ways. The news usually skews toward coverage of the bad or sensational, while overlooking the good.
Take a look at the stats here, from a non-profit resource that's been around awhile, especially the stats for college students:
http://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/...packet_statistics-about-sexual-violence_0.pdf
You can worry about college campuses too.
I spent 26 years on active duty, starting when women made up about 3% of the Armed Forces. It's double digits now, with sexual assault prevention and reporting systems in place, sexual assault victim support and advocacy, and more awareness at all levels.
I was never assaulted, though I had some inane sexual discrimination stuff happen, paralleling what was happening to civilian women going to medical and law school in greater numbers, becoming litigators and surgeons as well as family lawyers and pediatricians, where women used to be expected to go. The vast majority of the men and women with whom I served were fine and decent people. Your fellow officers are cut from the same cloth you are.
The men and women you serve with, whom you struggle with at your SA or commissioning source, become your sisters, brothers, lifelong friends, teammates, classmates, company mates, shipmates/wingmates/battle buddies. You will look out for each other. You are bonded. This, by far, is the prevalent day-to-day state.
No doubt bad things happen. There are people who do bad things, in and out of uniform.
I always felt I had more avenues and protection under the law as a member of the Armed Forces. I would not have stayed a full career if the good did not far, far outweigh the bad. Absolutely no regrets.
I also took steps to minimize my exposure to situations that might lead to a bad situation and increase vulnerability. I never lost control of my faculties by drinking to excess, in any setting, starting in high school. I didn't care I wasn't cool. I never used drugs, or misused prescription or OTC drugs. I took extra care in social situations with unfamiliar people in unfamiliar settings, to guard against date rape drugs. I worked out to be strong and project confidence. I spoke up for myself and set clear boundaries. I took care when running outside in unfamiliar areas at night, or where I parked my car. I also dated a SEAL back in the day who taught me some things. Bless that man. And as I look back, bless my departed parents, who raised me to value my own worth and not let myself be treated without respect.
Deployments are usually exhausting, and your focus is on the mission, whether combat or training.
Any time a new area of the Armed Forces is opened to women, you will find challenges, and yes, harassment, from a few. You put your head down and focus on performance, performance, performance.