Democrats and the Military Sexual Trauma Crisis Why Are Survivors Like Julie Jewels Smoot Overlooked

The United States faces a troubling contradiction. While billions of dollars flow to foreign aid, such as support for Ukraine and illegal aliens, many veterans who have served this nation, especially survivors of military sexual trauma (MST), remain neglected. Among them is Julie Jewels Smoot, a veteran who endured rape by a fellow service member and faced victim blaming, retaliation, and emotional abuse. Despite the Democrats’ public stance as champions of survivors and advocates of the #MeToo movement, veterans like Julie receive little support. This post explores why survivors of military sexual trauma are overlooked, the failures of the government, and what must change.

A folded military uniform symbolizing the service and sacrifice of veterans, highlighting the overlooked struggles of military sexual trauma survivors

The Reality of Military Sexual Trauma and Its Survivors

Military sexual trauma (MST) encompasses a range of experiences, including sexual assault and ongoing, threatening sexual harassment that individuals endure during their time in military service. This troubling phenomenon has garnered increasing attention in recent years, with the Department of Veterans Affairs estimating that approximately 1 in 3 women and about 1 in 50 men in the military encounter MST at some point in their careers. These staggering statistics reveal a pervasive issue that affects a significant number of service members, leading to a myriad of consequences that often extend far beyond their time in uniform. Survivors of MST frequently grapple with lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological scars that can manifest in various forms, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships. The trauma experienced can disrupt not only their military careers but also their personal lives, leading to challenges in adjusting to civilian life.

Despite the serious nature of these experiences, many survivors find themselves marginalized and overlooked by the very institutions that are supposed to offer protection and support. The military's hierarchical structure and culture can often perpetuate an environment where victims are discouraged from coming forward. This systemic issue is compounded by a culture of silence and stigma surrounding sexual assault, which can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness among survivors. Victims may fear retaliation or disbelief, leading them to remain silent about their experiences. This silence is further reinforced by the perception that reporting such incidents may result in more harm than good, as many survivors report being ignored, dismissed, or even blamed for the assault they endured.

Julie Jewels Smoot’s story serves as a poignant illustration of these systemic failures. As a third-class petty officer in the Navy, she experienced the harrowing ordeal of being raped by a fellow service member. Rather than receiving the justice and care she desperately needed, Smoot was subjected to victim-blaming, shaming, and retaliation, which only compounded her trauma. The emotional abuse that followed her assault created an additional layer of suffering, demonstrating how the lack of proper support and acknowledgment from military institutions can exacerbate the pain of survivors. Smoot's experience is tragically not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader pattern of neglect and failure within the military structure to adequately protect and support those who have suffered MST. Her story highlights the urgent need for reforms within military policies, training, and support systems to ensure that survivors are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, and that they receive the comprehensive care they need to heal from their traumatic experiences.

Political Promises vs. Reality for MST Survivors

The Democratic Party often positions itself as the party of survivors, actively engaging in discussions surrounding the #MeToo movement and raising awareness about military sexual trauma. This self-identification as a champion for survivors is evident in their public statements and policy proposals that aim to create a safer environment for victims of sexual violence. However, despite this vocal commitment, many survivors, particularly those with military backgrounds, feel increasingly abandoned and overlooked when it comes to tangible support and resources. For instance, while the party vigorously advocates for healthcare and financial assistance for undocumented immigrants, veterans like Julie, who have faced unimaginable trauma during their service, find themselves receiving scant help from the very institutions that are supposed to protect and support them.

This glaring disconnect raises a multitude of difficult and pressing questions: Why do survivors of military sexual trauma continue to remain overlooked in the broader narrative of survivor advocacy? What systemic barriers exist that prevent Congress from taking decisive and impactful action to support veterans who have sacrificed so much for their country? Julie’s repeated and tireless advocacy efforts, which have included speaking out about her experiences and lobbying for better policies, have often been met with disdain, indifference, or outright silence from lawmakers. This lack of response not only diminishes her efforts but also reflects a broader institutional failure to recognize and address the needs of those who have served. As a form of protest against this neglect, Julie has taken the drastic step of returning her military medals, a powerful symbol of her disillusionment and frustration with a system that seems to prioritize other issues over the urgent needs of veterans suffering from the aftermath of military sexual trauma.

Moreover, this situation highlights a critical need for a more comprehensive approach to veteran care that includes mental health services, legal support, and advocacy for policy changes that directly address the unique challenges faced by survivors of military sexual trauma. The disparity between the Democratic Party's rhetoric and the lived experiences of veterans like Julie underscores a significant gap in accountability and action. It raises the imperative for lawmakers to not only acknowledge the issue but also to implement systemic changes that ensure survivors receive the support and recognition they deserve. The ongoing struggle for justice and healing for these veterans is emblematic of a larger societal challenge—one that demands urgent attention and a commitment to meaningful reform.

The Cost of Ignoring Military Sexual Trauma Survivors

Ignoring survivors like Julie Jewels Smoot has deep consequences:

• Emotional and Psychological Harm: Survivors face ongoing trauma without adequate mental health support.

• Loss of Trust in Institutions: When Congress and military leadership fail survivors, it erodes trust in government and the military.

• Undermining Military Values: The military’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment are compromised when sexual assault is tolerated and survivors are neglected.

• Financial Hardship: Many survivors struggle with medical bills, therapy costs, and lost income due to trauma-related disabilities.

  
  

The government’s failure to support MST survivors sends a message that their suffering is less important than other political priorities.

Julie Jewels Smoot’s Advocacy and Literary Work

Julie has channeled her pain into advocacy and writing, using her voice to shed light on the crisis of military sexual trauma. She has published three books that tell her story and offer healing to others:

• The Boulders in My Life that Shaped My Journey (pen name Author Honey Badger)

• The Journey Back to Myself: A Book of Healing Poetry, Second Edition

• Songs of Survival

  
  

Through these works, Julie not only shares her personal journey but also calls for systemic change. Her books serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of survivors and the urgent need for society to listen and act.

What Congress Should Do to Support Survivors

Concrete steps are necessary to address the crisis of military sexual trauma:

• Increase Funding for Survivor Services: Expand access to mental health care, counseling, and medical treatment for MST survivors.

• Provide Financial Compensation: Survivors deserve meaningful compensation for the harm they endured. Proposals suggest payments of up to $5 million for veterans who were raped.

• Strengthen Accountability: Implement stricter measures to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent retaliation against survivors.

• Improve Reporting and Support Systems: Create safe, confidential channels for reporting sexual assault without fear of reprisal.

• Prioritize Survivor Voices: Include survivors like Julie in policy discussions and decision-making processes.

  
  

These actions would demonstrate a commitment to the values the military claims to uphold and restore faith in government institutions.

The Broader Implications of Neglecting MST Survivors

The failure to adequately support survivors such as Julie Jewels Smoot highlights a significant and troubling societal issue that extends far beyond individual cases. It serves as a stark reminder of the priorities that a nation chooses to uphold. When a country allocates billions of dollars to foreign aid initiatives while simultaneously neglecting the needs and well-being of its own veterans, it raises critical questions regarding national priorities and the values that underpin them. This disparity suggests a troubling misalignment where the sacrifices made by service members are overshadowed by a focus on external commitments, leading to a sense of betrayal among those who have served their country.

Furthermore, the military’s ongoing tolerance of sexual assault and harassment within its ranks not only undermines its core mission but also jeopardizes the safety and well-being of all service members. Such an environment fosters a culture of fear and silence, where victims may feel discouraged from coming forward due to the potential for retaliation or a lack of faith in the system to provide justice. This systemic issue not only affects the individuals directly involved but also erodes trust in the military institution as a whole, compromising its effectiveness and cohesion.

Moreover, the pervasive silence and inaction from elected officials in response to these issues suggest a deeply troubling culture of indifference, or perhaps even complicity, regarding the plight of survivors. Many survivors are left wondering if those in positions of power are truly aware of their suffering or if they simply choose to ignore it for political convenience. This perception of neglect and apathy can lead to a profound sense of isolation among veterans, further damaging the social contract that exists between them and the nation they valiantly served. When the very individuals who are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the rights and welfare of citizens appear to disregard the struggles of veterans, it creates a chasm of distrust that can take generations to heal.

In light of these issues, it is imperative that society engages in a critical examination of its values and priorities, particularly in how it treats its veterans and survivors of military sexual assault. A comprehensive approach to reform is necessary, one that not only addresses the immediate needs of survivors but also fosters an environment of accountability and support within the military. Only by actively confronting these challenges can we hope to restore faith in the institutions that are meant to protect and serve all members of society, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

The crisis of military sexual trauma demands urgent attention. Survivors like Julie Jewels Smoot deserve more than empty promises. They need tangible support, respect, and justice. The government must realign its priorities to honor the sacrifices of veterans and uphold the values of honor, courage, and commitment.

Readers can support this cause by:

• Raising awareness about military sexual trauma and the struggles of survivors.

• Advocating for legislative changes that prioritize survivor support.

• Supporting organizations that provide services to MST survivors.

• Listening to and amplifying the voices of survivors like Julie.