Breaking the Silence: Why Are Rape Survivors in the Military Ignored by Congress and the President

It is extremely troubling that Congress and the War Department overlook active-duty members who have experienced rape. The gravity of this oversight cannot be overstated, as it reflects a systemic failure to acknowledge and address the deeply ingrained issues of sexual violence within the military ranks. Even more concerning is the apparent indifference from the President of the United States toward these survivors, which sends a troubling message about the value placed on the well-being and dignity of those who serve the nation. Sexual assault in the military is a serious crisis that deserves immediate attention and action, not only from lawmakers but also from leadership at the highest levels of government. The lack of a robust response to this epidemic is indicative of a broader cultural problem that prioritizes the reputation of the military over the safety and rights of individual service members.

The silence surrounding this issue is overwhelming, creating an environment where survivors often feel isolated and unsupported. Despite the immense courage shown by many service members who bravely come forward to share their experiences, a significant number of survivors feel abandoned by the very institutions that should be safeguarding them. This abandonment is exacerbated by a culture of stigma and shame that discourages reporting, leading many to suffer in silence. This post will illuminate the harsh realities faced by these survivors and the systemic failures that worsen their situation. It will explore the barriers to reporting incidents of sexual assault, the inadequate support systems in place for victims, and the often-punitive consequences that survivors face when they seek justice. Furthermore, it will delve into the psychological and emotional toll that such trauma inflicts, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect and empower those who have bravely served their country.

The Reality of Military Sexual Assault

Sexual assault in the military is alarmingly prevalent, affecting thousands of service members annually. According to a Department of Defense report, over 7,800 incidents were reported in 2019, marking a 3% rise from the previous year. Sadly, many survivors face a culture of silence and stigma that discourages them from coming forward.

These individuals frequently feel unsupported by both peers and superiors. The fear of retaliation, coupled with a lack of trust in the reporting systems, causes many to remain silent. For instance, a survey by the Service Women’s Action Network found that 62% of survivors felt unsafe after reporting their assault. This atmosphere of fear and silence is not merely a personal tragedy; it signifies a systemic failure that demands urgent attention. Adding to this issue, survivors of rape are often discharged from the US Military while their perpetrators remain.

When will the US Government compensate survivors of rape with the millions of dollars they are owed? None of us enlisted to be raped by our fellow service members. None of us enlisted to be victimized, emotionally abused, and retaliated against. None of us enlisted to be discarded like refuse. None of us enlisted to be ignored by Congress, the Department of Defense, and the President of the United States.

The Response from Congress and the President

Despite concerning statistics and compelling personal accounts, Congress and the President largely overlook military sexual assault survivors. Navy veterans like Author Honey Badger and Julie Jules Smoot have tirelessly written letters, returned their military service medals to Congress, and published three books detailing the trauma of being raped by a fellow service member. They describe being victimized, blamed, shamed, retaliated against, and discarded, while their assailants were promoted and allowed to continue their offenses repeatedly. Many attempts at communication—whether through letters, phone calls, or personal outreach—go unanswered. Survivors often feel their suffering is invisible to those with the power to enact change.

In 2020, I personally sent 25 copies of The Journey Back to Myself: A Book of Healing Poetry, Second Edition and The Boulders in My Life that Shaped My Journey to the White House to the White House, hoping to initiate significant conversations about change. However, I received no acknowledgment. This lack of response is not only disheartening but also highlights the troubling reality that survivors' voices are being ignored.

The Emotional Toll of Ignorance

Being ignored by Congress and the President can have a profound emotional effect. Many survivors experience feelings of worthlessness and despair. The trauma of sexual assault is intensified by the awareness that those with the power to assist seem indifferent to their suffering.

When survivors reach out for help, they are often met with dismissive responses. Standard replies from elected officials fail to address their specific concerns, leaving survivors feeling even more isolated. This lack of genuine engagement reinforces the belief that their experiences are insignificant. It is infuriating that Congress earns millions yet refuses to compensate survivors of rape. It's insulting that this country pays athletes millions for playing a game and sends billions to Ukraine, while neglecting survivors. Additionally, Republicans claim to care about women and advocate for childbirth even in cases of rape, which is enraging. Where is the $5 million I am owed? I did not consent to being raped. I did not enlist to be raped, to be victim-blamed, shamed, emotionally abused, or retaliated against. I did not enlist to have my dream career destroyed by a racist and sexist individual. I deserve compensation for the hell I have endured and continue to endure every single day.

I have harmed myself multiple times to cope with the emotional pain. I should not have to pay a therapist when I did not rape myself, blame myself, or retaliate against myself. I did not add to the trauma caused by the person who raped me, the incompetent doctor who mishandled the rape kit, or the chain of command that blamed me for being raped and sought to ruin my career while protecting the rapist's career. So, I ask again, where is the five million dollars the US Navy owes me? Where is the five million dollars the US Government owes me?

The Struggle for Justice

For many survivors, the journey to justice can seem never-ending and fraught with challenges. The military justice system frequently fails to provide the support that survivors desperately require. Numerous reports suggest that survivors often feel re-victimized during the reporting process, where their experiences are scrutinized instead of being validated.

Consider the case of one survivor: after being raped and reporting the incident, she faced disbelief from investigators. Despite a confession from her rapist, she was treated as if she were lying. Such experiences are all too common, underscoring the urgent need for reform in the military justice system. This added insult to injury, causing further pain. Watching the US Senate Armed Services Committee ignore her and her friends added more trauma. Who truly understands more about rape? The person who experienced it or the uninformed officials who have never served and know nothing about rape or the military's response?

It's appalling that politicians show such little concern for active-duty members and Veterans who enlisted to serve this country. None of us enlisted to be raped by fellow service members and then face victim-blaming, emotional abuse, retaliation, and neglect, while the perpetrator was promoted, protected, and allowed to continue their actions repeatedly. It infuriates me that Congress cannot be bothered to watch "The Invisible War," "Justice Denied," "The Hunting Ground," listen to us, or read the countless books we have published.

It's frustrating that we struggle to make ends meet while athletes earn millions for playing sports. It's frustrating that actors receive millions from films, yet rape survivors who served our country can't afford medical treatment or therapy. It's frustrating that we send billions overseas but fail to support US Veterans who have been raped. It's frustrating that Congress earns millions and doesn't ensure these Veterans receive the care and financial support they need. None of them enlisted or received a commission to be raped by their own family, and some of us see our teammates as family, so the betrayal, violation, and abuse feel like being raped and then abused by our own family.

The Importance of Advocacy

Advocacy is essential in creating meaningful and lasting change within society. Survivors of various forms of trauma, particularly those who have endured sexual violence, require allies who are not only willing to support them but are also committed to standing alongside them in their fight for justice and accountability from those in positions of power. The act of advocacy can take many forms, including writing letters to legislators, making phone calls to representatives, and sharing personal narratives that highlight the experiences of survivors. These actions can significantly raise awareness about the pervasive issues surrounding sexual violence and can drive legislative changes that prioritize the needs and voices of survivors, ensuring that their experiences are acknowledged and addressed in policy-making processes.

It is absolutely crucial for survivors to understand that they are not alone in their struggles. The journey of healing from trauma can often feel isolating, but there are numerous organizations dedicated to supporting military sexual assault survivors, as well as those affected by sexual violence in general. These organizations provide a wealth of resources, including counseling services, legal assistance, and peer support groups, all of which foster a sense of community among survivors. They tirelessly advocate for necessary policy changes that aim to create safer environments and ensure that those who have experienced sexual violence receive the support and justice they deserve. Furthermore, these organizations assist survivors in navigating both the emotional and legal challenges that often accompany their experiences, empowering them to reclaim their narratives and seek justice effectively.

Moreover, the conversation around compensation for survivors has gained momentum, highlighting the urgent need for financial reparations for the trauma they have endured. It is beyond time that survivors of rape and sexual violence receive adequate care and compensation for their injuries, with discussions suggesting amounts that reflect the severity of their experiences—such as five million dollars. This figure not only symbolizes a recognition of the deep psychological and physical scars left by such violence but also serves as a critical step toward healing and justice. By advocating for substantial reparations, we can begin to rectify some of the systemic injustices that have historically marginalized survivors and failed to address their needs adequately. In doing so, we affirm the importance of survivor voices in shaping policies and practices that promote healing, accountability, and ultimately, a society that does not tolerate sexual violence.

The Role of Society

Society has a role to play in tackling the issue of military sexual assault as well. We must confront narratives that perpetuate victim-blaming and stigma. By creating an environment that encourages support and understanding, we can foster a culture in which survivors feel secure enough to come forward.

It is troubling that millions are funneled into entertainment and sports while survivors of assault struggle for support. Rape is a serious issue with long-lasting effects—not just on individuals but also on their families and communities. The time has come for us to take this issue seriously.

The Need for Comprehensive Reform

Comprehensive reform is essential to address the systemic issues that perpetuate military sexual assault, which has become a deeply entrenched problem within the armed forces. This reform should encompass a wide array of improvements aimed at dismantling the barriers that prevent effective reporting and accountability. Key components of this reform must include significant enhancements to the reporting process, ensuring that it is not only accessible but also sensitive to the needs of survivors. This means establishing confidential channels that allow victims to come forward without fear of retaliation or stigma. Additionally, there must be stronger support systems in place for survivors, including mental health services, legal assistance, and peer support networks that empower them to navigate the aftermath of their experiences. Furthermore, there must be a robust framework for holding perpetrators accountable, which includes not only punitive measures but also preventive strategies that educate service members about consent and the consequences of sexual violence.

Congress must prioritize the needs of survivors and commit to actively listening to their voices, ensuring that their experiences inform policy decisions. It is imperative that legislative measures reflect the realities faced by those who have suffered from military sexual assault. The President must also take a clear and unwavering stance in advocating for policies that protect and support survivors of sexual violence, signaling a commitment to change at the highest levels of government. It is long overdue that I, along with countless other survivors of rape, receive compensation for the suffering we have endured. This compensation is not merely a financial transaction; it represents acknowledgment of our pain and the injustices we have faced, as well as a commitment to ensuring that such atrocities do not happen again in the future.

Republicans claim to value women's lives, yet this assertion must be substantiated by concrete actions that reflect this commitment. Let’s see this value manifested through policies that guarantee that I and other survivors of rape receive what we are owed, both in terms of support and reparations. None of us enlisted or received a commission to be subjected to such horrific acts of violence. The sacrifices made by service members should not include the violation of our bodies and dignity. If we can allocate billions of dollars for military aid and foreign support, we can certainly prioritize the well-being of survivors of rape within our own ranks. If Congress can amass wealth and own million-dollar homes, it stands to reason that rape survivors deserve to be compensated for their trauma and loss. If this country can afford to pay millions to celebrities for their performances in films, we can certainly extend that same level of financial support to survivors of rape. If we can provide substantial financial assistance to undocumented immigrants seeking a better life, we can likewise ensure that survivors of rape receive the necessary resources to heal and rebuild their lives. If this country can pay millions to athletes for their participation in games, we can certainly find the means to support rape survivors, who have demonstrated immense courage in the face of adversity and deserve recognition and aid.

Take Action Now

The time for change is urgent. Survivors of military sexual assault deserve to be heard, supported, and believed. It is imperative that Congress and the President take decisive action to confront this crucial issue.

Let’s break the silence surrounding military sexual assault and push for accountability from those in power. Together, we can build a future where survivors are no longer ignored, and the values of honor, courage, and commitment hold true for everyone.

A memorial dedicated to survivors of military sexual assault

The road to healing and justice may be long, but it is a journey worth undertaking. We must ensure that the voices of survivors are acknowledged and lead to meaningful change. Every survivor's story matters, and it is time for our leaders to recognize that truth.