For decades sexual assault and harassment have been known to creep within the ranks of the military.
There is a culture within our world that has formed a type of abusive mentality. A mentality that gives an overwhelming idea of seniority that is pure evil. The mindset of one being dominant over another, where one feels the need to take something that would never be given. Crossing an ethical boundary and diving deep into the realm of being immoral. Leaving thousands of service members throughout the last several decades paralyzed with fear and helplessness. Destroying the sacred bond of trust, they had gained serving side by side with what the world considers to be some the most honorable. Although a vast majority of service members hold up to that honorable standard, there seems to be an unworthy lurking predator. A predator that seeks and destroys for pure enjoyment. A mentally-ill individual that should be sought out, removed, and prosecuted.
According to the DOD FY19 Sexual Assault Report, 6,236 service members reported a sexual assault occurring during their military service in 2019. Within the FY19 Unrestricted Reports, sexual assaults were identified at 62% to be “Service Member Subject with a Service Member Victim.” These numbers are not surprising as any type of internet search on sexual assault within the military will bring up hundreds of survival testimonies. Story after story of detailed events that are exceedingly heart wrenching, often of attacks by their superior. Being sexually assaulted or harassed is not just limited to servicewomen, it also is happening to men. Their testimonies are often harder to come across even though they make up a prevalent percentage each year. This leaves many wondering – Just how many servicemen and women are not reporting the abuse at all?
Sexual Assault Trauma does not just begin and end with the injustice itself. It forever has a profound impact on the survivor. Awakening a fear of the unknown, often times turning into a deep depression and PTSD that will be there to work through for a lifetime. Then there is the unsettling fear of judgment. Often the main reason for remaining confined in silence. With many stories of past survivors painting a picture where they have faced a type of witch-hunting that questioned their credibility, makes coming forward distressing. Often surrounded by whispers and branded with many labels all while waiting for a months-long investigation to deem your injustice worthy enough for action.
The mere thought of no one believing you and becoming a target for bullying stops them in their tracks. The fear of stereotypes taking over and the respect they had earned falling short, all followed with the downfall of their hard-earned career.There is just too much to lose.
With programs in place like SHARP for the ARMY and SAPR for the Marines, there has been a substantial improvement in the handling of these cases. However, the military is still falling short in a couple of consequential areas. One being primary prevention.
Although each program pushes a change in bystander behaviors, when promoting support for the victim is key there should also be a heightened focus on preventing the predator mentality. Past assaults or actions prior to service should be flagged for proper therapy or marking them unfit for serving, with no second chances that could potentially allow for the predator to prey on more service members.
Another area that has detrimental consequences is the lack of reporting. Allowing a more personal approach to making survivors feel comfortable and confident in seeking help and prosecution should be key, reporting a sexual assault should happen without having a second thought.