Military sexual assault epidemic demands more than more of the same

What does it take for military leaders to finally take seriously the epidemic of sexual assault within their ranks?

Apparently, a double-digit increase in assaults and a trio of high-profile sexual misconduct allegations against the very officers charged with preventing the problem.

President Barack Obama told reporters last week that military leaders are angry and ashamed by recent bad news and scandal. But after years of lip service and study, it will take more than apologies to prove they are serious about fixing the self-described “crisis” of sexual assault in the armed forces.

It will take action, such as that proposed in the Military Justice Improvement Act, introduced last week by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. This legislation would place responsibility for sexual assault investigations and punishment with military prosecutors instead of commanding officers.

The bill would complement ongoing and renewed efforts within the armed forces to increase accountability, improve responses to reported assaults and treatment of victims, and change the culture of excusing or minimizing sexual assault.

A total of 3,374 reports of sexual assault involving service members in fiscal year 2012, according to the Department of Defense, was up from 3,192 reports received the year before. But that increase tells only part of the story.

A separate DOD workplace survey reveals an estimated 26,000 active-duty service members - 12,100 women and 13,900 men - were subjected to unwanted sexual contact in 2012. Those numbers represent about 6 percent of active-duty women and just over 1 percent of active-duty men.

More than two-thirds of the female victims decided not to report the incident to a military authority. Their reasons: They didn't want anyone to know. They felt uncomfortable making a report. They didn't think their report would be kept confidential, according to survey responses. Only 10 percent of male victims made reports.

Removing the reporting process from the chain of command would go a long way toward ensuring complaints are handled confidentially and professionally.

Military leaders have more than a crisis in sexual assault on their hands; they have a crisis of confidence.

One that professionalizing the complaint process and protecting victims will help restore.

Comments: (319) 339-3154; jennifer.hemmingsen@sourcemedia.net