Sexual Assault in the U.S. Military

Female service members are more likely to be sexually assaulted by a fellow member of the military than shot by an enemy combatant at war. As the reports increase, the controversial military justice system remains intact. The current policy gives commanders authority over the prosecution, often allowing perpetrators to evade accountability. The consequences are dire for survivors and the armed services at large, as the status quo undermines military readiness. 

 

 

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Host
  • Gabrielle Sierra
    Director, Podcasting
Credits

Asher Ross - Supervising Producer

Markus Zakaria - Audio Producer and Sound Designer

Rafaela Siewert - Associate Podcast Producer

Episode Guests
  • Don Christensen
    Colonel, U.S. Air Force, Ret., President, Protect Our Defenders
  • Meghann Myers
    Pentagon Bureau Chief, Military Times
  • Heather Sexton
    Captain, Missouri Army National Guard, Ret.

Show Notes

About one in four servicewomen report being sexually assaulted in the U.S. military during their careers. But all prosecutorial decisions fall in the hands of their commanders. If a survivor comes forward, they often face retaliation and unjust consequences, and less than one percent of cases result in a conviction.

 

The lack of accountability for perpetrators erodes confidence in the system, often giving survivors no choice but to leave the military. The sexual assault crisis jeopardizes the effectiveness and capabilities of the armed forces. But momentum for change is building. With the support of President Joe Biden, Congress members, military leaders, and activists alike are advocating for sexual assault cases to be handled by an independent body. However, a new announcement from the DoD could spark significant change.

 

 

Dig Deeper 

 

From Meghann Myers

 

Pentagon unveils new sexual assault response plan - with a deadline of up to 8 years,” Military Times

 

A culture that fosters sexual assaults and sexual harassment persists despite prevention efforts, a new Pentagon study shows,” Military Times

 

Military needs commanders who truly don’t support sexual assault, commission concludes,” Military Times

 

From CFR

 

Demographics of the U.S. Military,” CFR.org Editors

 

Read More

 

‘A Poison in the System’: The Epidemic of Military Sexual Assault,” New York Times

 

Biden endorses a major change in how the military handles sexual assault cases., New York Times

 

The Two Men Blocking Military Sexual Assault Reform,” New York Times

 

Facts on United States Military Sexual Violence” [PDF], Protect Our Defenders

 

Embattled: Retaliation against Sexual Assault Survivors in the US Military,” Human Rights Watch

 

The National Guard welcomes and promotes women. That is, until they report a sexual assault,” USA Today

 

Six Men Tell Their Stories of Sexual Assault in the Military,” New York Times

 

House Passes Defense Policy-Bill with Military-Justice Provision,” Wall Street Journal


 

Watch and Listen

 

The Invisible War,” PBS

 

Congress takes on sexual assault in the military,” Today, Explained

 

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