The Pentagon announced in May that a sergeant working in the military’s sexual assault prevention office had been charged with—you guessed it—sexual assault. This news came just a week after the officer in charge of the Air Force’s rape prevention program was arrested for sexual battery.
An estimated 26,000 service members were sexually assaulted in 2012, according to the latest government report. That’s up from 19,000 in 2010, despite recent claims that the military has been focusing more on prevention efforts.
Amid the growing controversy, Congress is hurrying to draft new legislation and Obama has called for stricter punishment for sexual offenders. All officers in the sexual assault prevention office will be re-screened and re-trained, the Pentagon announced. As lawmakers and military officials debate what to do next, we’ve rounded up some of the best journalism on sexual assault in the military.
An estimated 26,000 service members were sexually assaulted in 2012, according to the latest government report. That’s up from 19,000 in 2010.
The Invisible War, June 2012
The academy-award nominated documentary has helped bring the military’s rape crisis to national attention. Filmmakers interviewed victims and military personnel to reveal the overwhelming obstacles to prosecuting military rape, and how inadequate efforts have been so far to curbing sexual assault.
“Trauma Sets Female Veterans Adrift Back Home,” New York Times, February 2013
According to the Pentagon report, 48,100 women (and 43,700 men) reported military sexual trauma last year, which studies say makes them nine times more likely to suffer from PTSD. This two-part New York Times series documents the struggles facing women veterans who’ve suffered from sexual assault, including homelessness and unemployment.
“The Rape of Petty Officer Blumer,” Rolling Stone, February 2013
The story of one naval officer’s rape details the consequences victims face for coming forward—consequences that keep most victims from reporting sexual attacks. After telling her superiors she had been raped, Rebecca Blumer was accused of lying, sexually harassed, denied promotions, and ultimately discharged.
“Rape Victims Say Military Labels Them ‘Crazy,’” CNN, April 2012
A CNN investigation found another way the military handles rape accusations: labeling victims as emotionally unstable. After reporting a sexual assault, multiple service members were diagnosed with a personality disorder and discharged. Their abuse allegations were ignored.
“The Enemy Within,” National Journal, September 2012
What is it about the military that makes sexual assault so pervasive? The National Journal digs into the policies behind the statistics, and the legal loopholes exploited by sexual predators.
“Pentagon Grapples With Sex Crimes by Military Recruiters,” Washington Post, May 2013
Active service members aren’t the only ones vulnerable to sexual assault. A recent series of scandals across the country exposed military recruiters accused of sexually abusing young people looking to enlist.
“Betrayal in the Ranks,” The Denver Post, 2004
The Denver Post spoke with more than 60 victims about their battle for justice, and the psychological trauma that lasted long after their assault. Many felt the military blamed them for their rape, while shielding their attackers from punishment.
This post originally appeared onProPublica, a Pacific Standard partner site.
