LINK: POTUS Official Statement 4/24/12"I applaud the initiatives that Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and General Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have announced to further combat sexual assault in the military. The men and women of the United States military deserve an environment that is free from the threat of sexual assault, and in which allegations of sexual assault are thoroughly investigated, offenders are held appropriately accountable, and victims are given the care and support they need. Elevating these cases to a higher level of command review is a very important step. I believe that sexual assault has no place in our military. I thank Secretary Panetta and Chairman Dempsey and look forward to seeing continued progress on this important issue." -- Barack Obama, President of the United States of America
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
President of the United States Spoke Today on Military Sexual Assault
Monday, April 23, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
CHARADE WATCH: Parrish Calls Pentagon Out On Rape Report
"Similar to previous so-called reforms, these policy changes do little to address the fundamental barriers to justice: commander discretion and a military justice system that stacks the deck against the victim." Ms. Nancy Parrish, President Protect Our Defenders
Huff Post EDITORIAL: Protect Our Defenders Unspins DoD Military Sexual Assault Report
"This year's SAPRO report revealed that of the 2,410 reports of sexual assault, 191 -- 8% -- resulted in a court-martial conviction. This sobering fact goes a long way toward explaining why so few victims decide to report. It is evidence of the utter failure to protect the victim and effectively prosecute the perpetrator."
Protect Our Defenders Honorary Chair Congresswoman Jackie Speier with Kori, veteran and a subject of The Invisible War, and Nancy Parrish at the Sundance Film Festival 2012.
LINK: Protect Our Defenders
MOVIE LINK: Invisible War: The Battle Ground Is Your Barracks
SWAN Pounds Pavement For MST Survivors On The Hill
RELEASE: Service Womens Action Network Takes ACTION
"If the new DOD reforms do not significantly reduce the rates of sexual assault and change the broader military culture, DOD will have to reckon with more dramatic action, such as removing disposition authority from the military altogether, or establishing mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines." -- Anu Bhagwati, Service Women's Action Network
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
CHARADE WATCH: Thanks, But No Thanks Secretary Panetta .. Our Works Not Done
This evening, Secretary of Defense Panetta announced yet another set of sweeping changes designed to stave the epidemic of sexual assaults. None of these changes include removing the victim and reporting of the crime outside of the chain of command. Herein, is my response, as written in response to a Service Womens Action Network's posting of the event. Thank you to SWAN for putting your best foot forward every day in the fight to end this epidemic.
Thank you to SWAN for doing the good you can do. But enough is enough when it comes to accepting the Department of Defense rejection of the STOP Act.
But, I believe all survivors need to stand together to continue to demand the progressive change that the STOP Act insures. We already know what the DoD will tolerate, and permit, when we are not looking! It’s time we balance the scales with this innovative legislation.
After 25 years, and 16 sum hearings, almost half a million survivors, this peace meal bartering in the 11th hour is not acceptable.
But even with these new changes it is clear, victims will be still trapped in a dangerous culture, until reporting of sexual violence, and the victims, are removed from the military chain of command, by a separate investigative body composed of military and civilian experts. It’s time for DoD leadership to acknowledge, criminal justice for rape victims within a society whose mission is based on giving one's very life in service, is a contradiction.
The UCMJ is not a fitting framework in which to process these sexual crimes to protect, especially, women, at this point in military history.
The problems relating to sexual violence cannot be undone with a shuffling of the cards, a redefining of the current rules. We need new rules. We need an outside the box approach to dissolving this epidemic. We need it now. Because generations upon generations of servicemembers have had their misogynistic views upheld, and reinforced, through policies like combat exclusion, false reporting mythology, mishandling of evidence, lack of prosecution, and allowance of retribution and retaliation against those who have the courage to report sexual violence.
Victims are reporting that the least of their troubles is the violent sexual offense. Lives, post rape, are being ruined. Stories of mental health practitioners assigning errant personality disorder diagnosis to ailing, traumatized, ostracized victims are unacceptable. Shuffling the victims out of the military is not diminishing the truth of the peril our most junior female servicemembers are in.
The truth is, military mindset indicates the individual's needs, and integrity, are counter intuitive to mission accomplishment. Under yet another set of "sweeping changes," I believe leaders will now be even more pressured to cover up these crimes, and find fault with the victim. The DoD is welcome to hold any leader accountable it deems necessary. But, DoD leaders are still not taking accountability, and they continue to spin this problem in the way of minimizing and characterizing the data, instead of simply being accountable. Its time for the DoD to admit, the real source of this epidemic, is that the theory behind the function of the UCMJ is counterintuitive to protecting servicemembers civil rights among the ranks.
It is time for the DoD to show this nation that it can drastically reduce the numbers of rape, assault, and the prevalance of victim blaming. But then and only then, can we begin to heal, and repair the damage that has been done. Once again, this is a shuffling of the same cards. Stop the CHARADE.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
LRHP Countdown: Day 92 Soul Filled Sunday
Super Soul Sundays on the Oprah Winfrey Network are a highlight of my week.
Just like many people who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I have an
aversion to attending church, or even discussing God. Where once I would
chase down books on the Saints and Martyrs, today, the inspiration of the
spirit is not even felt. I miss the time when I did "feel it." Many times through
out my journey, I have taken ten steps back in order to take five steps forward.
Resorting to television for spiritual nourishment, is one such instance. But I
know if I envision a time when I can once again participate in a religious
setting, it will come to pass.
Today, one of Oprah's guru's discusses stories. My story of rape, assault,
harassment, and victimization has been with me for a long while. In many ways
it's manifested again, and again. And I'm very ready for that to cease to be
the truth. This ride is my effort to get unstuck. To, take "massive action" as
explained by Anthony Robbins, the life coach, and behavior expert. My ride
signifies action, instead of reaction; manifestation, instead of infestation!
My mantra is, "what will I tell my sons that I did with my time, while we
were apart?" As is pointed out in today's show on OWN, "what did you
ask for?" And to that I say, "I asked to be a mother." And, "what did you get?"
I answer, "I got two beautiful little boys, who I love more than life itself."
And with them, came a set of less than ideal circumstances and responsibilities.
My prayer is that I have the evidence I need, when the time comes for me to
explain, that I am their mother, no one else. Even though my job as their mother
required me to send them to someone whom, at the time, I felt could protect
them better than I could, that that did not negate the fact the I am their mother.
No matter what anyone tells you ... I am YOUR mother. And even though,
people let us down, caused us to be apart, and broke our hearts.
We are still a family.
I am riding to build more momentum toward them, to get to them, on every
level. To be at the ready, healthy, vital, and able, to receive them, despite the
obstacles, despite our nay sayers. As long as I am able, and alive, I will be their
mother, and do whatever I'm called to do as a mother. If I'm sick, I'll get better.
If I'm poor, I'll find the resources needed, any way I know how.
Did you get what you asked for in life? And how are you handling your
answered prayers? Blessings to you my friend, no matter how unexpected life
has turned out to be. I promise you, it'll be worth the ride, if you hang on long
enough, to make it up that hill, just over yonder <3
Just like many people who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I have an
aversion to attending church, or even discussing God. Where once I would
chase down books on the Saints and Martyrs, today, the inspiration of the
spirit is not even felt. I miss the time when I did "feel it." Many times through
out my journey, I have taken ten steps back in order to take five steps forward.
Resorting to television for spiritual nourishment, is one such instance. But I
know if I envision a time when I can once again participate in a religious
setting, it will come to pass.
Today, one of Oprah's guru's discusses stories. My story of rape, assault,
harassment, and victimization has been with me for a long while. In many ways
it's manifested again, and again. And I'm very ready for that to cease to be
the truth. This ride is my effort to get unstuck. To, take "massive action" as
explained by Anthony Robbins, the life coach, and behavior expert. My ride
signifies action, instead of reaction; manifestation, instead of infestation!
My mantra is, "what will I tell my sons that I did with my time, while we
were apart?" As is pointed out in today's show on OWN, "what did you
ask for?" And to that I say, "I asked to be a mother." And, "what did you get?"
I answer, "I got two beautiful little boys, who I love more than life itself."
And with them, came a set of less than ideal circumstances and responsibilities.
My prayer is that I have the evidence I need, when the time comes for me to
explain, that I am their mother, no one else. Even though my job as their mother
required me to send them to someone whom, at the time, I felt could protect
them better than I could, that that did not negate the fact the I am their mother.
No matter what anyone tells you ... I am YOUR mother. And even though,
people let us down, caused us to be apart, and broke our hearts.
We are still a family.
I am riding to build more momentum toward them, to get to them, on every
level. To be at the ready, healthy, vital, and able, to receive them, despite the
obstacles, despite our nay sayers. As long as I am able, and alive, I will be their
mother, and do whatever I'm called to do as a mother. If I'm sick, I'll get better.
If I'm poor, I'll find the resources needed, any way I know how.
Did you get what you asked for in life? And how are you handling your
answered prayers? Blessings to you my friend, no matter how unexpected life
has turned out to be. I promise you, it'll be worth the ride, if you hang on long
enough, to make it up that hill, just over yonder <3
Friday, April 13, 2012
LRHP Count Down: Day 94 A Beautiful Day
It's about 70 degrees and sunny in Upstate New York!
The human body is just amazing. One day of recuperation
is all that's needed. I'd been needing two full days. Now,
just my arches hurt. Sometimes I walk the entire nine-miles
on pavement, and sometimes I go "G.I Jane" *laugh out loud *
and hike on the grass. I like the instability of walking on grass
over nine-miles because I believe it works out my ankles
and calves more. I'm trying to put myself through as much
pain as possible now!
Well, o.k. I'm sure that it will barely diminish the pain and exhaustion
I'm going to experience on the road. But its worth a shot, right?
Truly. I thoroughly enjoy these longs walks. If I didn't have
this new goal, of biking cross country, I'd be tucked safely
away in my house not enjoying all the universe has to offer.
Since, my assault in October 2004, the events of my life
have rendered me a kin to the shiney black mole who pops
up to get hammered during whack a mole. Staying in doors,
looking after my mother has been the escape.
When I took mom in from the independent living program
for the mentally ill, I felt I was confronting something.
Now that we have uncovered most of her medical needs,
I feel I'm retreating from life.
On this beautiful day, I shall not retreat! I will forge
forward down the lanes of my beloved hometown
as I bask in the sunshine of this fine spring day!
The human body is just amazing. One day of recuperation
is all that's needed. I'd been needing two full days. Now,
just my arches hurt. Sometimes I walk the entire nine-miles
on pavement, and sometimes I go "G.I Jane" *laugh out loud *
and hike on the grass. I like the instability of walking on grass
over nine-miles because I believe it works out my ankles
and calves more. I'm trying to put myself through as much
pain as possible now!
Well, o.k. I'm sure that it will barely diminish the pain and exhaustion
I'm going to experience on the road. But its worth a shot, right?
Truly. I thoroughly enjoy these longs walks. If I didn't have
this new goal, of biking cross country, I'd be tucked safely
away in my house not enjoying all the universe has to offer.
Since, my assault in October 2004, the events of my life
have rendered me a kin to the shiney black mole who pops
up to get hammered during whack a mole. Staying in doors,
looking after my mother has been the escape.
When I took mom in from the independent living program
for the mentally ill, I felt I was confronting something.
Now that we have uncovered most of her medical needs,
I feel I'm retreating from life.
On this beautiful day, I shall not retreat! I will forge
forward down the lanes of my beloved hometown
as I bask in the sunshine of this fine spring day!
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Thursday, April 12, 2012
Calling All MST Survivors
We are seeking anyone whose been a survivor of military sexual harrassment, assault or rape to please sign this letter which thanks the 120 legislators who have signed onto the STOP Act legislation (See link in the Learn Section of this blog to the right). Also, this letter calls on all legislators to sign onto this act. Under the STOP Act, the investigation, prosecution and victim care associated with MST is taken from the normal chain of command and placed under the authority of an independent body of military and civilian experts. More than 19,000 servicemembers are estimated to have been impacted by MST in 2011, there have been 17 hearings over the past 25 years, and still no effective changes have been made. Rapists are still prosecuted at an alarmingly low rate, even fewer are convicted, while victims are being left to their own devices to defend themselves and their welfare. It's time we help our brothers and sisters in arms to get out from under the trauma that occurs AFTER an assault or rape occurs. The time to act is NOW!
Almost Two Years Is A Long Time
This July, as we launch the start of our cross-country bike ride, the month
will also mark two years since I handed my sons over voluntarily to a foster
parent. I did this, as part of an agreement, while the NY court investigated
my allegations that their grandmother was behaving inappropriately. She'd
been caring for them while I was getting treatment for Military Sexual Trauma.
And sued me for custody in 2009.
Charges were never filed though our family counselor agreed, her behavior
was troubling. I did, however, lose physical custody of my sons in the eleventh
hour, due mainly to my lack of representation in a Texas Family Court, in
February 2011.
I'm hoping I can further strengthen my resolve to get my sons back, during
my Long Road Home journey. I honestly, don't know how I've made it
this far. There, but for the grace of God go I.
Without my sons, I'm not sure where home is?
will also mark two years since I handed my sons over voluntarily to a foster
parent. I did this, as part of an agreement, while the NY court investigated
my allegations that their grandmother was behaving inappropriately. She'd
been caring for them while I was getting treatment for Military Sexual Trauma.
And sued me for custody in 2009.
Charges were never filed though our family counselor agreed, her behavior
was troubling. I did, however, lose physical custody of my sons in the eleventh
hour, due mainly to my lack of representation in a Texas Family Court, in
February 2011.
I'm hoping I can further strengthen my resolve to get my sons back, during
my Long Road Home journey. I honestly, don't know how I've made it
this far. There, but for the grace of God go I.
Without my sons, I'm not sure where home is?
Seeking Active Duty Military On SARC Performance
I'm seeking interviews and/or stories from Active Duty Military Women (or men)
who've recently interacted with their installation's Sexual Assault Response
Coordinator. It will be up to the interviewee to decide whether I use their story
for more than background. In order to accurately gauge how effective the military's
recent policy changes are, I need to hear from you. Our discussions will be held
in the strictist confidence.
who've recently interacted with their installation's Sexual Assault Response
Coordinator. It will be up to the interviewee to decide whether I use their story
for more than background. In order to accurately gauge how effective the military's
recent policy changes are, I need to hear from you. Our discussions will be held
in the strictist confidence.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
You Experienced Sexual Impropriety In The Military
To readers who read my page in search of answers, I have some messages for you. First, it's perfectly normal to feel confused, to feel angry, to wonder, and a sense of what the heck! As someone whose been through all stages of inquiry, to finally forming the conclusion, yes, I was raped; yes, it was wrong; yes, I do matter; yes, this is affecting me; yes, this is affecting my loved ones through me; and yes, I want and need the consequences to stop producing negative results in my life, I say, "Hello"! Welcome. No, you are not alone.
No, one, person will have all of the answers on your journey of discovery.
But, a good, simple place to start is on Facebook. Facebook is easy to search, free, and several of the groups which discuss the topic of military sexual trauma are open. Several are closed.
Here are some sites where you will meet other people who've, believe it or not, been through similarily unbelievable, tangled situations as you have, while serving in the military.
And just like you, they did nothing in their lives before the incident, to deserve what happened to them.
Today, survivors are so fortunate that we are able to communicate via social media. Please consider these sites and share them. Stay tuned to my page for further updates to these lists.
Blessings to you.
Here are the links:
SERVICE Documentary OPEN Facebook Group
The moderators of this site produced a compelling, raw and real
documentary about military women who served in the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan, and who are now disabled, and several
were also victims of Military Sexual Trauma.
The people at SERVICE have developed a bevy of social media platforms
for us to interact with each other, as we search for support and solutions
at our own pace.
Protect Our Defenders OPEN Facebook Site
The moderators of this site are the people who run the
non-profit Protect Our Defenders which is located in
Washington D.C.
Their goal is to educate survivors of legislative solutions
to the problem of military sexual trauma, and to provide
information and links to professionals who are in the fight.
This is the site to go to if you're at a place where you'd
like to take action to stop the current trend in the Department
of Defense.
SERVICE Documentary CLOSED Facebook Group
As with the open group, this group is available to any women
(or men) who are have experienced military sexual trauma, or
who are disabled incident to service.
The Miseducation of Liz Trotta OPEN Facebook Group
This group was developed after the Fox News commentator
Liz Trotta spoke out about military sexual trauma, stating that
women who are raped in service should have expected it.
The group is a good place to read about and lend your
opinion, perspective, to a variety of media products
that are military sexual trauma related.
VetWow OPEN Facebook Site
Susan Avila-Smith oversees VetWow and moderates this group.
Ms. Avila-Smith is "the pioneer" in women veteran advocacy and military
sexual trauma advocacy. As a survivor herself, she has helped literally thousands of women
to file for and win Veterans Administration disability claims.
CLOSED Male Survivors of MST Facebook Site
This Facebook site is run by Brian McWilliams who recently
decided to take action in support of Male MST survivors.
This group is closed and it can be a good first step in finding
other men who've been hurt by incidents of male military sexual
trauma. Many brave men like Brian, are tossing their hats in the ring
in telling their stories to help other men. Right now, half of all
MST survivors being treated are male.
SWAN Facebook Site
Service Women Action Network is one of the newest veteran organizations
and was started by a female Marine Captain.
This site is moderated by SWAN staff. SWAN allows, and often encourages,
anyone to comment on the stories they post each day. In addition, SWAN
allows people to post status's with information that you feel might be of
service to their members. SWAN supports the fight against MST.
No, one, person will have all of the answers on your journey of discovery.
But, a good, simple place to start is on Facebook. Facebook is easy to search, free, and several of the groups which discuss the topic of military sexual trauma are open. Several are closed.
Here are some sites where you will meet other people who've, believe it or not, been through similarily unbelievable, tangled situations as you have, while serving in the military.
And just like you, they did nothing in their lives before the incident, to deserve what happened to them.
Today, survivors are so fortunate that we are able to communicate via social media. Please consider these sites and share them. Stay tuned to my page for further updates to these lists.
Blessings to you.
Here are the links:
SERVICE Documentary OPEN Facebook Group
The moderators of this site produced a compelling, raw and real
documentary about military women who served in the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan, and who are now disabled, and several
were also victims of Military Sexual Trauma.
The people at SERVICE have developed a bevy of social media platforms
for us to interact with each other, as we search for support and solutions
at our own pace.
Protect Our Defenders OPEN Facebook Site
The moderators of this site are the people who run the
non-profit Protect Our Defenders which is located in
Washington D.C.
Their goal is to educate survivors of legislative solutions
to the problem of military sexual trauma, and to provide
information and links to professionals who are in the fight.
This is the site to go to if you're at a place where you'd
like to take action to stop the current trend in the Department
of Defense.
SERVICE Documentary CLOSED Facebook Group
As with the open group, this group is available to any women
(or men) who are have experienced military sexual trauma, or
who are disabled incident to service.
The Miseducation of Liz Trotta OPEN Facebook Group
This group was developed after the Fox News commentator
Liz Trotta spoke out about military sexual trauma, stating that
women who are raped in service should have expected it.
The group is a good place to read about and lend your
opinion, perspective, to a variety of media products
that are military sexual trauma related.
VetWow OPEN Facebook Site
Susan Avila-Smith oversees VetWow and moderates this group.
Ms. Avila-Smith is "the pioneer" in women veteran advocacy and military
sexual trauma advocacy. As a survivor herself, she has helped literally thousands of women
to file for and win Veterans Administration disability claims.
CLOSED Male Survivors of MST Facebook Site
This Facebook site is run by Brian McWilliams who recently
decided to take action in support of Male MST survivors.
This group is closed and it can be a good first step in finding
other men who've been hurt by incidents of male military sexual
trauma. Many brave men like Brian, are tossing their hats in the ring
in telling their stories to help other men. Right now, half of all
MST survivors being treated are male.
SWAN Facebook Site
Service Women Action Network is one of the newest veteran organizations
and was started by a female Marine Captain.
This site is moderated by SWAN staff. SWAN allows, and often encourages,
anyone to comment on the stories they post each day. In addition, SWAN
allows people to post status's with information that you feel might be of
service to their members. SWAN supports the fight against MST.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
LRHP Countdown: Day 102 Recuperation
My friend asked me, why don't you walk three miles every day instead of nine miles every other day so you don't hurt yourself! I can't answer that question. Today, I am very hungry. I haven't been this hungry in a long time and it's actually enjoyable. I'm not eating bad foods. I'm eating foods higher in protein to help my body heal. Pretty quickly, I need to get a bike and be on my way to my first 10 mile ride. I'm hoping my conditioning to this point will pay off. Stay tuned friends ...
The Epidemic of Military Rape
Congratulations to Protect Our Defenders for winning the annual DoGooder Awards for small non-profit organization. I'm honored to be affiliated with P.O.D. as an Advocacy and Outreach Board Member. Together we will strengthen our nations' military by helping to end the epidemic of rape and sexual assault of our nation's finest men and women.
As a result of this award, P.O.D. is featured on YouTube's home page, and their communication products
will enjoy a much broader range of exposure on the internet. The organization will also receive a
cash prize.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Charade Continues ...
Shriever AFB Commentary On Sexual Assault Awareness
A commentary published by the Schreiver AFB Sexual Assault Response Coordinator today, is a good example of what today's Military Sexual Trauma survivors have been sharing with advocates outside the military.
The depth of understanding that is reportedly absent among the SAPR C's, six and seven years after the SAPR offices were set up Department of Defense wide, is astonishing.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The commentary authored by the Schreiver AFB sexual assault response '"expert" is clear and convincing evidence that the informal feedback from survivors in the last five years are accurate. The SAPR C's are out gunned, and just another cog in the wheel of a machine they are not empowered to impact. Victims of sexual violence in the military are still being hung out to dry.
Anyone, who understands the true impact military-sexual assault has on servicemembers, most of whom are junior ranking, knows the comparison between assault or rape in civilian society, and the incidents within the military culture, are almost non-existent. Making such a correlation, as the commentary's author did, is to mislead the Airmen at Schreiver AFB.
A person who experiences sexual violence in the military can't quit their jobs, file a civil suit against the perpetrator, or their employer, for damages. Servicemember's are completely reliant on a system of governance whose bottom line focus is the operational mission at hand. Victim's are left powerless within a culture of leaders who haven't come to full acceptance that an Airmen, Soldier, Sailor or Marine's health and welfare (and their family's welfare) are key to military readiness. Rightly so, most victims don't report the sexually violent crimes perpetrated against them.
Therefore, the charade continues.
To illustrate the disconnect that exists, one need only consider data as presented in the commentary. The Schriever AFB SAPR C quote's, "Among the current Air Force population, 18.9 percent of women, and 2.1 percent of men, reported having experienced some form of sexual assault while in the Air Force."
Based on 2011 U.S. Air Force end-strength data, the Air Force is host to a force of about 684,000 servicemembers, (including DoD and non DoD civilians). There are approximately 116,280, or 17 percent, women in the Air Force, and approximately, 499,320, or 73 percent male.
Therefore based on the Air Force's internal gallup poll, 21,976 women report having been sexually assaulted or raped, and 10, 485 of male report the same. In other words, there is roughly one male MST survivor now serving in the Air Force, to every two female MST survivors, who report having been sexually assaulted or raped.
The truth is, SAPR C's are figure heads, who are often misguided, and ill prepared to stave the epidemic of sexual violence in the military. Despite the recent attention the DoD has directed toward MST,there is no end in sight.
The continuing, outlandish accounts from troops of all military services, post assault, are not only common, but prolific. MST is on the rise, according to the DoD's own estimates. The public, and our servicemen and women, deserve a realistic portrayal of the MST epidemic.
As long as misinformation, and a lack of forthright, honest MST assessment exists, the longer the epidemic of military rape and sexual assault will rise in numbers. The longer our valiant and honorable servicemember's will remain trapped in a system of injustice.
A commentary published by the Schreiver AFB Sexual Assault Response Coordinator today, is a good example of what today's Military Sexual Trauma survivors have been sharing with advocates outside the military.
The depth of understanding that is reportedly absent among the SAPR C's, six and seven years after the SAPR offices were set up Department of Defense wide, is astonishing.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The commentary authored by the Schreiver AFB sexual assault response '"expert" is clear and convincing evidence that the informal feedback from survivors in the last five years are accurate. The SAPR C's are out gunned, and just another cog in the wheel of a machine they are not empowered to impact. Victims of sexual violence in the military are still being hung out to dry.
Anyone, who understands the true impact military-sexual assault has on servicemembers, most of whom are junior ranking, knows the comparison between assault or rape in civilian society, and the incidents within the military culture, are almost non-existent. Making such a correlation, as the commentary's author did, is to mislead the Airmen at Schreiver AFB.
A person who experiences sexual violence in the military can't quit their jobs, file a civil suit against the perpetrator, or their employer, for damages. Servicemember's are completely reliant on a system of governance whose bottom line focus is the operational mission at hand. Victim's are left powerless within a culture of leaders who haven't come to full acceptance that an Airmen, Soldier, Sailor or Marine's health and welfare (and their family's welfare) are key to military readiness. Rightly so, most victims don't report the sexually violent crimes perpetrated against them.
Therefore, the charade continues.
To illustrate the disconnect that exists, one need only consider data as presented in the commentary. The Schriever AFB SAPR C quote's, "Among the current Air Force population, 18.9 percent of women, and 2.1 percent of men, reported having experienced some form of sexual assault while in the Air Force."
Based on 2011 U.S. Air Force end-strength data, the Air Force is host to a force of about 684,000 servicemembers, (including DoD and non DoD civilians). There are approximately 116,280, or 17 percent, women in the Air Force, and approximately, 499,320, or 73 percent male.
Therefore based on the Air Force's internal gallup poll, 21,976 women report having been sexually assaulted or raped, and 10, 485 of male report the same. In other words, there is roughly one male MST survivor now serving in the Air Force, to every two female MST survivors, who report having been sexually assaulted or raped.
The truth is, SAPR C's are figure heads, who are often misguided, and ill prepared to stave the epidemic of sexual violence in the military. Despite the recent attention the DoD has directed toward MST,there is no end in sight.
The continuing, outlandish accounts from troops of all military services, post assault, are not only common, but prolific. MST is on the rise, according to the DoD's own estimates. The public, and our servicemen and women, deserve a realistic portrayal of the MST epidemic.
As long as misinformation, and a lack of forthright, honest MST assessment exists, the longer the epidemic of military rape and sexual assault will rise in numbers. The longer our valiant and honorable servicemember's will remain trapped in a system of injustice.
The time to end this epidemic is NOW.
Search ResultsThis paints a picture of a fighting force where sexual assault is predominantly a woman's issue, when it clearly is not. Sharing the hard numbers would be a much more representative sample of the Air Force's landscape.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
CHARADE WATCH: MST Poster Wars
Are you convinced? There are an estimated 19,000 incidents of sexual assault
per year within the Department of Defense. There have been some 17 hearings
over the last 25 years on this issue. Once every four hours a servicemember
is reporting their rape or assault.
LRHP Countdown: Day 104 Thoughts On The Road
A work out didn't happen today. Recovery from the six-mile walk is underway on a cellular level. Trust me .... it hoits! :) It's a pain I welcome, because the ultimate consequence of this ride far outweighs my temporary discomfort. I'll be more fit, leaner, more energetic. Hopefully, a sense of core centeredness will result. Trekking down the highway between my house in Speigletown and Frear Park is made easier by the heart pumping, distracting tunes shouting out of my MP3 player. However, I almost fell like a pile of pick-up sticks when a car zoomed by me, after I'd already gotten into my groove. The hypervigilence is ever present, and the idea of riding a bike down strange highways to strange destinations with nothing but me, the wind and the sun is bewildering to say the least. These days, if I leave the house twice a week, it's a lot. It's easy to sink into a chair and marry a laptop when the world through my traumatized eyes can sometimes seem, and feel, so treacherous. But, it's something I must face, if I'm going to live life to the fullest, and get back to my precious sons. I'll accept nothing less from myself.
Security Clearances Out the Window For Many MST Survivors
Christian Science Monitor discusses Question 21
To think of all the harassment that goes on surrounding the stigma attached to a rape, reporting, investigation etc. The harassment can go on for YEARS. For some, the only escape or reprieve from the chaos, is the inside of the inpatient psychiatric unit. While there, all sorts of people get to collaborate on what DIAGNOSIS is presenting in the "troop" who is going "bonkers." For many, if not most, there is no escaping the retaliatory sea of feedback he or she is swimming in post rape or assault. All of it is off the record, of course, but no less revictimizing. The issue of Question 21, and the lackluster response advocates are getting from the Department of Defense, is another reason to institute the STOP Act NOW!
To think of all the harassment that goes on surrounding the stigma attached to a rape, reporting, investigation etc. The harassment can go on for YEARS. For some, the only escape or reprieve from the chaos, is the inside of the inpatient psychiatric unit. While there, all sorts of people get to collaborate on what DIAGNOSIS is presenting in the "troop" who is going "bonkers." For many, if not most, there is no escaping the retaliatory sea of feedback he or she is swimming in post rape or assault. All of it is off the record, of course, but no less revictimizing. The issue of Question 21, and the lackluster response advocates are getting from the Department of Defense, is another reason to institute the STOP Act NOW!
Monday, April 2, 2012
LRHP Countdown: Day 105
I walked six miles today, although it was cold ... about 50 degrees once the sun went down. My leg muscles tightened up. There is a lot of conditioning to be done! 10 miles an hour, over five to six hours will be here before I know it. Here we go!!!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Meet LRHP mastermind Casey Miller ...
experience riding his bicycle from Oregon to Massachusetts over three months time.
So, he developed The Long Road Home Project as a way to share this experience
with veterans, and as a means to advocate national support for veterans returning
home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The riders for the LRHP 2012 will be
asking themselves, and those they meet along the way ... "What can we do as a nation
to help our veterans who are returning home?"
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