An informational table with different resources for domestic violence survivors is displayed Dec. 1, 2022, in the Sexual Assault and Prevention office at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has directed a new review on the handling of domestic violence cases after the service’s inspector general found problems in the early stages of managing reports and investigations. (Chloe Shanes/U.S. Air Force )

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has directed a new review on the handling of domestic violence cases after the service’s inspector general found problems in the early stages of managing reports and investigations, according to a letter addressed to troops.

The 90-day review will look at how the Air Force investigates and responds to domestic violence cases, as well as find ways to increase survivor confidence in service leaders and enhance survivor support capabilities, Kendall wrote in the letter issued Friday.

“While we have taken important steps to better support domestic violence survivors, we must do more to establish a foundation of trust, integrity, and respect that encourages reporting and engenders confidence in our enterprise. Our increased focus on survivors will advance ongoing efforts to deliver better care and support across the spectrum of interpersonal violence, including survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment,” he wrote.

The Air Force inspector general conducted its review after Kendall requested it in September 2021 because of allegations that domestic violence cases were not being properly handled throughout the service. The Air Force has not released the full IG report.

The office of Alex Wagner, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, will lead the new review, the Air Force said.

The Air Force has studied domestic violence before as part of a 2021 report on interpersonal violence. It found 66% of the women and 48% of the men who responded to the survey reported experiencing some form of interpersonal violence. About 68,000 people — roughly 10% of all Air Force and Space Force members and Department of the Air Force civilians — responded to the survey.

The report found most victims of violence did not report the actions and victims were not satisfied with support service agencies. Meanwhile, service leaders generally responded they believed they had the resources, training, and authority to address interpersonal violence within their command.

Using that report and the Pentagon’s Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military that was released that same year and includes some additional information on domestic violence, the Air Force has already begun several new initiatives, the service said.

The Air Force has established seven bases to host a pilot program that locates multiple services in one facility for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It’s also created the “Connect to Care” program that outlines expectations for providing victim services.

Other ongoing efforts to improve support include hiring 86 new personnel in the Office of Special Investigations and improving training for all who investigate violent crimes. Those efforts are in addition to those mandated through Congress or the Defense Department, such as establishing an Office of Special Trial Counsel, which will be the decision-maker on whether to file charges. That was previously left to commanders.

"Our approach is centered on supporting survivors and helping to prevent domestic violence and/or sexual assault in the first place," Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones said in a statement. "This is a warfighting issue, a readiness issue and a leadership issue."