Military labels rape victims "crazy".

[Draka]

I have to wonder what process was done in reporting. How soon afterwards? Did they go to the hospital and was a rape kit done? Did they report it to their command legal officer as well as a police report (for those within the US and capable of doing so)? There are ways of reporting such things where the victim can't really have any doubt put upon them. Not saying that the women in the cases didn't do such things for sure or that they did something wrong, but just that there are steps to take to handle things that should minimize these things happening.

I wasn't raped by my shop lead petty officer, but I was sexually harassed and it could have been more given the situation. I didn't formally report it as I was getting out soon anyway and plans were set and I didn't want to be on legal hold while the crap was settled. I did, however, go up my chain of command and spoke on a personal basis about what happened and I was taken seriously and was helped in a "backroom deal" sort of way. I wasn't doubted and there wasn't any good'ol buddy protecting buddy crap. So, I don't think that the blaming the victim and discharging thing is probably as prevalent as made out to be. There are some good guys in the military that do stand up for what is right and will not stand for women being sexually harassed or assaulted in any way.

 

[InformedIgnorance]

ANY huge organization is going to have pockets of corruption, some bad leaders, and some dirty laundry - from Apple to the Army. Anyone looking for an expose' hard enough can find one.

Very true.

I have to wonder what process was done in reporting. How soon afterwards? Did they go to the hospital and was a rape kit done? Did they report it to their command legal officer as well as a police report (for those within the US and capable of doing so)? There are ways of reporting such things where the victim can't really have any doubt put upon them. Not saying that the women in the cases didn't do such things for sure or that they did something wrong, but just that there are steps to take to handle things that should minimize these things happening.

I wasn't raped by my shop lead petty officer, but I was sexually harassed and it could have been more given the situation. I didn't formally report it as I was getting out soon anyway and plans were set and I didn't want to be on legal hold while the crap was settled. I did, however, go up my chain of command and spoke on a personal basis about what happened and I was taken seriously and was helped in a "backroom deal" sort of way. I wasn't doubted and there wasn't any good'ol buddy protecting buddy crap. So, I don't think that the blaming the victim and discharging thing is probably as prevalent as made out to be. There are some good guys in the military that do stand up for what is right and will not stand for women being sexually harassed or assaulted in any way.

I would however suggest that doing so informally probably makes them more inclined to help you since they can deal with it on the sly whereas doing so formally probably makes them more inclined to attempt to minimise the effects of your formal action in order to preserve the corp.

 

[Father Heathen]

ANY huge organization is going to have pockets of corruption, some bad leaders, and some dirty laundry - from Apple to the Army. Anyone looking for an expose' hard enough can find one.

The difference is that the military is touted as embodying valor, honor, discipline, etc. and thus should be held to a higher standard. Also, society tends to glorify, romanticize and worship the military (along with law enforcement), thus compounding the problem. It's easy to get away with corruption and misconduct when you're seen as the heroic knights in shining armor.

 

[Draka]

I would however suggest that doing so informally probably makes them more inclined to help you since they can deal with it on the sly whereas doing so formally probably makes them more inclined to attempt to minimise the effects of your formal action in order to preserve the corp.

Actually, the chief I spoke with was very thorough with me, making sure that not filing a formal complaint is what I really wanted to do. Especially given what the circumstances were. When I explained to him why I didn't want to he was a bit disappointed but understood and had an idea of how to punish the petty officer in a sneaky kind a of way. He knew he was up for orders and was getting orders to Japan, which the guy was really looking forward to (his dream orders). For some inexplicable reason his orders fell through at the last moment and orders for either Alaska or Iceland came in. hehe

 

[Songbird]

Actually, the chief I spoke with was very thorough with me, making sure that not filing a formal complaint is what I really wanted to do. Especially given what the circumstances were. When I explained to him why I didn't want to he was a bit disappointed but understood and had an idea of how to punish the petty officer in a sneaky kind a of way. He knew he was up for orders and was getting orders to Japan, which the guy was really looking forward to (his dream orders). For some inexplicable reason his orders fell through at the last moment and orders for either Alaska or Iceland came in. hehe

I hope he knew the reason for his orders falling through. I totally don't blame you for not filing formally, I just hope he eventually got the message that he can't get away with what he did.

 

[Draka]

I hope he knew the reason for his orders falling through. I totally don't blame you for not filing formally, I just hope he eventually got the message that he can't get away with what he did.

Oh, the officer who took care of switching his orders really seemed to enjoy screwing him over. . I'm pretty sure she might have let it slip as to why. Probably on his last day there.

 

[CynthiaCypher]

The Military's Secret Shame - The Daily Beast

It is not just women.