Military Sexual Assault: Ignored and Unpunished. Part 2
Sexual assault and harassment are serious issues that affect both men and women in the military, and the numbers show that these crimes are significantly underreported. Many victims do not report these crimes for fear of retribution, career damage, or because they do not trust the military’s justice system to handle their cases properly.
The military justice system has been criticized for handling sexual assault and harassment cases, with many victims feeling that their cases were not taken seriously or that they were not given the support they needed. According to a 2019 report by the Department of Defense, only 14.8% of sexual assault cases in the military resulted in a conviction. This low conviction rate is a significant deterrent for victims, as they may feel their case is not worth pursuing if the chances of a conviction are so low.
In addition, the military justice system has been criticized for allowing commanders too much control over the prosecution of these cases. In many cases, commanders have the authority to decide whether or not to pursue a case, and they may be hesitant to do so if it damages the reputation of their unit or their career. This can lead to a lack of accountability and a culture of tolerance for sexual assault and harassment within the military.
The military has made some efforts to address these issues, such as the establishment of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) and the implementation of policies such as the “restricted reporting” option, which allows victims to report a sexual assault without triggering an official investigation. However, these efforts have not been enough to address the root cause of the problem, and many victims still do not feel that they are receiving the support and justice they deserve.
According to the Department of Defense, in 2018, there were 6,053 reports of sexual assault involving service members, with 79.7% of those reports involving women and 20.3% involving men. In 2019, the estimated rate of sexual assault in the military was 6.2 per 1,000 service members or 0.62% of all service members. Women in the military are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault, with 10% of active-duty women reporting experiencing a sexual assault within the past year compared to 1% of men. African-American service members also reported higher rates of unwanted sexual contact than other racial/ethnic groups.
It is important to note that these statistics may only be ballpark figures, as sexual harassment and assault often go unreported, mainly when the victim is male. The military has made many attempts to conceal this issue, but it is slowly coming to light thanks to the efforts of advocates and survivors who are speaking out and demanding change.
There are several reasons why military sexual assault is so prevalent. The military is a male-dominated institution, which can create a hostile and dismissive culture toward women. The military also has a hierarchical structure that can make it difficult for lower-ranking service members to report sexual assault or harassment without fear of retribution. Additionally, the military’s justice system is often criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, which can discourage victims from reporting sexual assault and result in perpetrators going unpunished.
To address this issue, it is essential for the military to implement policies and procedures that prioritize the safety and well-being of all service members, regardless of their gender. This can include providing better training and resources for preventing and responding to sexual assault, improving the reporting process for survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. It is also essential for the military to create a culture that values and respects all service members' contributions and actively works to dismantle the systemic biases and prejudices that contribute to sexual assault and harassment.
According to the Department of Defense’s Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military for the Fiscal Year 2019, which covers all reported sexual assaults from October 2018 through September 2019, only 8% of alleged rapes resulted in an acquittal or dismissal. However, it is essential to note that this figure does not account for cases that were not reported or those where charges were never filed. Additionally, this data may be skewed by individual military branches and commands who have different standards and procedures when dealing with allegations of rape.
When there is a conviction for sexual assault, the average sentence for those convicted of sexual assault in the military is approximately five years. This can vary greatly depending on the severity and circumstances of each case, as well as any mitigating or aggravating factors that may be present. Convicted rapists in the military are typically sentenced to serve their time in the United States Disciplinary Barracks, which is part of the United States Army Corrections Command.
More needs to be done to address the issue of sexual assault and harassment in the military. This includes increasing accountability for perpetrators, providing better support and resources for victims, and addressing the underlying culture that allows these crimes to occur. Until these issues are adequately addressed, the military will continue to struggle with this problem, and many victims will continue to suffer in silence.
Holding perpetrators accountable for their actions is also crucial in addressing military sexual assault. This can involve implementing stricter punishments for those guilty of sexual assault or harassment, including discharge or imprisonment. It can also involve improving the military’s justice system to ensure fairness and transparency and that victims are treated with respect and support.
Finally, it is essential for the military to work towards creating a culture that values and respects all service members' contributions and actively dismantles the systemic biases and prejudices that contribute to sexual assault and harassment. This can involve promoting diversity and inclusion within the military and ensuring that all service members are treated with respect and dignity regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. It can also involve educating service members about the impact of their words and actions and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for sexual assault and harassment.
***I intend to continue adding to this topic as more information becomes available about recent cases.
Jamie is a former addiction counselor who now writes fiction about substance abuse and mental health issues. She has authored two short novels in her Memoirs of a Black Sheep series and a series she co-authors, The Borderline Chronicles, on Amazon Kindle Vella. Jamie has also formed her own small publishing company, Flawed By Design Publishing LLC, where she produces her published works and offers other writing and media services.
Flawed by Design is a woman-owned, veteran-owned business for those who seek a writing coach, editor, or proofreader.