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Virginia Novak
Mrs. Debock
English IV Honors
4 March 2015
Sexual Assault in the Military
Sexual assault is not taken seriously todays society and especially not in the military. In
2012 alone, 26,000 men and women were sexually assaulted yet only 3,374 cases were reported.
(New California) Sexual assaults have taken such a toll on these men and women that they were
too scared to report their abuse due to the consequences. An extremely important issue if victims
are too terrified to report their assault because they fear what might happen to them if they do
actually report. Sexual assault is a major issue and should be taken as a seriously instead of being
ignored.
Men and women that were sexually assaulted typically suffer from Military Sexual
Trauma (MST) which is one of the main causes of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The
author found out shocking information, more than 4 in 10 (42%) women with a MST have a
PSTD diagnosis (Baltrushes 122). Most MST survivors are women but not all, men suffer from
sexual assault as well. More women than men report their assault. According to the article,
stigma, fear of blame, accusations of homosexuality or promiscuity, and the possibility of being
charged with fraternization (Baltrushes 122). The military is still thought as being a male
dominated environment. In this type of male dominated culture sexual assault in more common
compared to a normal society. Recently, more victims have been reporting their assault which is
great because this means that these victims will be getting their compensation and proper
treatment. Sexual assault is becoming more known as a result of victims speaking out.

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Recently past military sexual assault victims are trying to make a difference to not only
prevent sexual assault in the future but also to create new guidelines for proper treatment for the
victims. According to the article, we need to take a close look at our military justice system, and
we need to be asking the hard questions (Gillibrand). Last year, President Obama signed the
National Defense Authorization Bill. The bill included the following changes: all convicted sex
offenders to be dismissed, reserving case-disposition, starting the MARCH Act (Military Access
to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Women) and lastly to stress the Pentagon to
demolish the ban that prevents women from serving certain combat positions that could
potentially lead to a promotion. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand strongly states, The issue of sexual
violence in the military is not new. And it has been allowed to go on in the shadows for far too
long (Gillibrand). Sexual assault in the military is finally becoming a governmental issue.
In Font Greerly, Alaska there have been over 26,000 cases of sexual assault (Sexual
Affairs in the Army Creates Toxic Environment). Not only is that completely and utterly
disgusting but there have been incidents where soldiers engage in sexual favors with officers to
go up in rank. Among the one hundred and ninety-five members, there were only sixteen soldiers
in Fort Greerly in 2011. The women were severely outnumbered, being that there were only
sixteen women they were easily targeted. One of the sexual assault perpetrator, Lt. Col. Miley
defended his actions by stating, The modern military is an environment where sexual
misconduct is a commonplace (Sexual Affairs in the Army Creates Toxic Environment).
Sexual misconduct and assault should not be known as a commonplace in the military and
there will be punishment for all those who think sexual assault is appropriate.
Sexual assault prevention and treatment should be a top priority of the United States
Military. Past victims, senators, and soldiers are coming together to create new laws to help stop

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sexual assault. Now more is being done due to all of the victims coming forward and telling their
story. Sexual assault victims are finally being heard and getting compensation for their suffering.

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Works Cited
Baltrushes, Nicole, and Niranjan S. Karnik. "Victims of Military Sexual Trauma--You See Them,
Too: Sexual Assault While Serving in the Military Is Not Uncommon, and the Effects
Linger Long After Veterans Are Home--and Seeing Civilian Physicians Like You."
Journal of Family Practice 2013: 120. Academic OneFile. Web. 9 Feb. 2015
Gillibrand, Kirsten. "Should Decisions Regarding The Prosecution Of Sexual Assault Cases In
The Military Be Removed From The Chain Of Command?" Congressional Digest 92.8
(2013): 10-14. Academic Search Complete. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
New California Law Takes Military Sexual Assault Cases Out of the Chain of Command."
Feminist Majority Foundation Blog. Feminist Newswire/ Violence Against Women, 28
Aug. 2014. Web. 26 Feb. 2015.
"Sexual Affairs in the Army Creates Toxic Environment." International Business Times 26 May
2013: Points of View Reference Center. Web. 9 Feb. 2015.