Stern: The military must take a harder line against sexual assault
In a commentary article, Jessica Stern, special to the Washington Post claims the military to not be taking the necessary measures to stop sexual assault on both male and female victims. Stern, the author of ‘Denial: A Memoir of Terror,' and member of the Hoover Institution Task Force on National Security and Law, raises a valid argument backed up by extensive research. Her research notes that, "The Defense Department recorded 3,230 sexual assaults involving members of our military in fiscal 2009, up 11 percent from 2008. But the Pentagon itself concluded in 2006 that only 20 percent of "unwanted sexual contacts" are reported to a military authority, about half of the rate in the civilian sector."
Though never serving in the military herself, her claims seem to be right on the money to someone (like me) who actually has. Stern claims that "victims of military sexual assault are often forced to choose between frequent contact with the perpetrators or sacrificing their career goals to protect themselves from retaliation."
This is actually, from my experience, a valid argument. The military's main focus is on performance of work and keeping the perception of being structured and unflawed to the rest of American society. Within a male dominating work force, how could a female victim not be intimidated enough to not want to speak out on her abuse? Male on male sexual assault also leaves even greater possibility of future hazing, further abuse, and ultimate embarrassment. It is hard enough for a victim of sexual abuse to gain the courage to speak of their victimization in the civilian sector, let alone in a work environment and even “lifestyle” that teaches to not portray emotions whatsoever.
Also, just like an other day to day job, politics seem to be the biggest influence on making the decision to become unassertive about sexual abuse. The military chain of command instills a strong sense of loyalty and camaraderie. With that being said, the idea of being chastised and reprimanded for turning in a fellow soldier is not unrealistic. To anyone who cares about their career and future, this could potentially alter anyone's decision about turning in sexual abusers.
Stern brings strong logic to the average active duty member and veteran who has lived in conditions where sexual abuse is not only a big problem but also one that is difficult to address due political barriers. She also states that “troops are already under extraordinary stress, the reasoning suggests, and, in situations where loyalty to the unit is a matter of life and death, it is even more difficult to process or talk about the trauma.”
Soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen should not have to live in fear about coming forward and getting the necessary counseling after being assaulted. If harsher punishment was enforced and sexual abuse pre-counseling or awareness became mandatory, maybe abusers would think twice before making violent decisions and victims would be less apprehensive about speaking out.
Though never serving in the military herself, her claims seem to be right on the money to someone (like me) who actually has. Stern claims that "victims of military sexual assault are often forced to choose between frequent contact with the perpetrators or sacrificing their career goals to protect themselves from retaliation."
