Silenced No More: True Stories of Military Sexual Assault — A series of survivors' stories that will no longer be ignored.

Trigger Warning: It’s important to note that these stories can be complicated and triggering to read, so please consider this carefully before proceeding. Furthermore, if you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault in the military, resources are listed at the end of this article below where you can find help.

After significant research and a lack of attention, I have decided to share individual victims' experiences and stories I can research.

Military sexual trauma has become an epidemic that continues to be ignored, and the survivors who have been invalidated or ignored by the military investigative process deserve better.

In future posts, we will hear about a woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted by her superior while deployed and then immediately allegedly retaliated against by the superior who assaulted her. Her claim was dismissed because he said — she said situation, and he had been in the Army for a long time, and “we wouldn’t want to ruin someone’s career.”

We will hear from another woman whom her platoon sergeant sexually harassed while she was away on temporary duty and told that “the issue will be addressed” after showing numerous explicit text messages from this man, such as “What kind of panties are you wearing” and asking about which types of “positions” she enjoys. Later, this same woman confided in a friend of hers what was going on and how it was being addressed, only to find out that she was also receiving these messages. She, too, went to her chain of command, who subsequently moved the platoon sergeant but did not discipline or refer him for discipline, in which case he went on to harass other women in his new unit sexually. This story demonstrates a classic case of the “don’t fix the problem, just move it, so it is not our problem anymore” mentality that seems to be a common theme for the service when addressing sexual assault allegations.

It is unacceptable that survivors are subjected to such trauma and then denied justice and support by the institutions that protect them. We must do better to ensure that all military service members are treated with respect and dignity, and those who commit sexual crimes are held accountable. Our responsibility is to stand with survivors and demand change on their behalf. Together, we can work to create a safer, more just, and more supportive military community for all.

It pains me to hear these stories; these women’s voices deserve to be heard. This is not to say that men have not been affected, as I know they have been, but I only have women’s stories right now. If you or someone you know was sexually assaulted or harassed while in the service and are comfortable sharing your story confidentially for this series, please email me at jamie@flawedbydesignllc.com

Here are a few options for resources:

1. The Department of Defense (DOD) Safe Helpline: This is a confidential, anonymous, and secure resource for survivors of sexual assault in the military. You can call 1–877–995–5247 or visit the website at https://www.safehelpline.org to access support and resources.
2. Military OneSource: This confidential resource provides various support services for military personnel and their families, including resources for survivors of sexual assault. You can call 1–800–342–9647 or visit the website at https://www.militaryonesource.mil to access support and resources.
3. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): This national organization provides support and resources for survivors of sexual assault. You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1–800–656-HOPE (4673) or visit the website at https://www.rainn.org to access support and resources.

It’s important to remember that you are not alone and that people and resources are available to help you. It takes courage to reach out for support; it is never your fault if you have experienced sexual assault.

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.