A sharp increase in the number of sexual assault reports filed by members of the armed services is providing new fuel to the debate about how to overhaul the military justice system.

Some in the military and Congress said the increase shows a growing recognition of the problem has overcome some victims’ reluctance to report these crimes. Others, however, contend the rising numbers could reflect increasing incidents and demonstrate that more should be done to improve how the military handles sexual assaults.

More than 5,000 reports were filed in the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, up from 3,375 in the previous fiscal year, said Joy Crabaugh, a Pentagon spokeswoman. The figures, which the Pentagon said are preliminary, were reported earlier by the Associated Press.