Originally published on August 1, 2014, at ForceChange.com
Target: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
Goal: Reform the military’s broken system of punishing sexual assault victims for reporting heinous crimes
Sexual assault victims within the military are speaking out against the abusive treatment they have received immediately after reporting their rape. Many of their attackers receive light sentences or honorable discharges without a criminal record of the offense. Victims also accuse superior officers of interfering with investigations in order to lower their sexual assault statistics.
The military’s chain of command has failed to implement congressional and statutory mandates designed to reduce sexual assault. After reporting the assault, many victims receive verbal abuse and further unwanted sexual advances. Their attackers are often convicted for adultery instead of rape.
andrewemett 