Honoring Survivors of Military Sexual Assault Amidst Political Silence and Advocacy

Military sexual assault remains one of the most overlooked crises in the United States. While public attention often focuses on sensational political scandals, the voices of survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) go unheard. These brave individuals endure unimaginable pain and trauma, yet the system designed to protect them frequently fails. This post sheds light on the ongoing struggle of survivors, the political neglect they face, and the relentless advocacy of people like Julie Jewels Smoot, who fight for justice and recognition.

The Hidden Crisis of Military Sexual Assault

Military sexual assault affects thousands of service members every year, casting a long shadow over the armed forces. Despite the military’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment, which are supposed to guide the behavior and ethics of all personnel, many survivors of these heinous acts face significant challenges that exacerbate their trauma. Victim-blaming is a pervasive issue; survivors often find themselves unjustly scrutinized and questioned about their actions, clothing, or choices made during the incident, rather than receiving the support they desperately need. This culture of blame can lead to feelings of isolation and shame, further complicating their healing process. Additionally, survivors frequently encounter retaliation, whether through social ostracization, professional repercussions, or even direct threats from their peers or superiors. Such emotional abuse can manifest in various forms, including harassment, bullying, and a pervasive sense of distrust within their own units, leaving them feeling abandoned by the very institutions that are sworn to protect them.

The trauma inflicted by military sexual assault does not conclude with the incident itself; instead, it often spirals into a long-lasting struggle with mental health. Survivors frequently grapple with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a debilitating condition characterized by flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the traumatic event. In addition to PTSD, many experience depression, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, making it difficult for them to find joy in life or engage in normal daily activities. Anxiety is another common companion, manifesting as constant worry, panic attacks, or an overwhelming sense of dread about their safety and well-being. The cumulative effect of these mental health challenges can severely hinder a survivor's ability to function, both personally and professionally, creating barriers to their recovery and reintegration into military life.

Compounding these difficulties is the military justice system, which frequently fails to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Instances of sexual assault often go unreported due to fear of retaliation or disbelief from commanding officers, leading to a culture of silence. Even when cases are reported, the process can be daunting and disheartening, with many survivors feeling that their voices are not heard or valued. The lack of accountability for offenders allows some to continue serving, putting others at risk and perpetuating a cycle of abuse that contradicts the values the military claims to uphold. This ongoing cycle not only undermines the integrity of the military but also inflicts lasting damage on the morale and mental health of those who have bravely served. The urgent need for reform in how the military addresses sexual assault—through improved support systems, transparent reporting processes, and a commitment to accountability—is critical to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all service members.

Political Neglect and the Cost of Silence

While billions of dollars are allocated to overseas projects and political pork-barrel spending, survivors of military sexual assault remain neglected and overlooked in the broader discourse surrounding military and veteran affairs. These individuals, who have bravely served their country, often find themselves grappling not only with the trauma of their experiences but also with a lack of essential support systems. Politicians continue to ignore the urgent needs of these survivors, failing to provide adequate support or compensation that could help them heal and reintegrate into society. The consequences of this neglect are profound, as many survivors face a myriad of challenges, including mental health issues, difficulty in accessing healthcare, and a lack of financial assistance, which can lead to long-term suffering and instability.

The President and Congress have the power to change this distressing reality, yet they often choose not to act decisively or prioritize the needs of these vulnerable individuals. Legislative measures that could provide much-needed support are frequently sidelined in favor of more politically advantageous initiatives. This lack of action is particularly troubling in light of the numerous documentaries and films that have brought the issue of military sexual trauma to the forefront of public consciousness. Films like The Invisible War, Justice Denied, and The Hunting Ground serve as powerful exposés that reveal the harsh realities faced by survivors of sexual assault within the military. They highlight the systemic failures in reporting procedures, the culture of silence and stigma surrounding these incidents, and the often inadequate responses from military leadership and the justice system.

Despite the compelling narratives and the urgent calls for reform presented in these films, political leaders rarely engage with these stories or the survivors behind them. This disengagement not only perpetuates the cycle of neglect but also sends a disheartening message to those who have suffered in silence. Survivors often feel isolated, as their experiences are not acknowledged or validated by those in power. The lack of political will to address these issues perpetuates a culture of impunity, where perpetrators are not held accountable, and survivors are left without the resources they need to heal. It is imperative that lawmakers recognize the importance of addressing military sexual assault with the seriousness it deserves, ensuring that survivors receive the support, recognition, and justice they have long been denied. Only through concerted efforts and genuine engagement can we hope to change the narrative and provide a path towards healing and recovery for those affected by these traumatic experiences.

Julie Jewels Smoot’s Unyielding Advocacy

Julie Jewels Smoot stands as a powerful and inspiring example of relentless advocacy in a world where the voices of survivors often go unheard. Since 2013, she has dedicated herself to the fight for justice on behalf of survivors of military sexual assault, a cause that is profoundly personal to her and many others affected by such traumatic experiences. Her commitment to this mission is unwavering, and she has made it her life’s work to ensure that the stories of these survivors are not only heard but also taken seriously. Every week for the past year, Julie has taken the time to meticulously craft and send letters to the President of the United States, demanding justice and recognition for those who have suffered in silence. These letters are not merely formalities; they are passionate pleas for accountability and change in a system that has historically failed to protect its most vulnerable members. While she sometimes receives responses from the highest office in the land, these replies often lack the substance or meaningful action that she and countless others desperately seek.

Frustrated by the pervasive silence and inaction of Congress, which has often turned a blind eye to the plight of survivors, Julie made the courageous decision to return her military service medals. This act was not just a personal statement; it was a powerful symbol of her protest against a system that continually disregards the needs and experiences of survivors. By sending back her medals, she aimed to highlight the deep disillusionment felt by many who have served their country honorably, only to be met with betrayal and neglect when they sought help after experiencing sexual violence. Julie's own life is marked by the lasting effects of rape, victim-blaming, emotional abuse, and retaliation, each of which has left indelible scars on her psyche. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of political neglect and the urgent need for systemic reform within the military justice system. Through her advocacy and personal sacrifices, Julie Jewels Smoot not only amplifies the voices of survivors but also challenges society to confront uncomfortable truths about the treatment of those who have bravely served in the armed forces.

The Case for Compensation and Support

If the government can allocate billions of dollars overseas to support various international initiatives and maintain slush funds that are often utilized to pay off victims of political scandals, then it stands to reason that it can also provide meaningful and adequate compensation to the survivors of military sexual assault. This is not merely a question of financial resources; it is fundamentally about prioritizing the well-being and dignity of individuals who have bravely served their country. Survivors like Julie and countless others deserve financial support that not only acknowledges the profound suffering they have endured but also aids them in the arduous process of rebuilding their lives after such traumatic experiences.

The proposal of a $5 million check to each survivor should not be viewed as an unreasonable demand, but rather as a necessary and just response to the harm inflicted upon these individuals. This amount would represent a tangible step toward achieving justice and facilitating the healing process for those affected. It is crucial to recognize that such financial compensation would not merely be a monetary transaction; it would symbolize a commitment to addressing the deep-rooted issues within the military system that have allowed such violations to occur. More importantly, it would send a powerful and clear message that this country values the dignity and well-being of those who serve in its armed forces. By taking this step, the government would demonstrate its dedication to rectifying past wrongs and ensuring that all service members are treated with the respect and care they rightfully deserve. This action could pave the way for meaningful reforms and foster an environment where survivors feel supported and empowered to seek justice.

The Gap Between Military Values and Reality

The military’s stated values of honor, courage, and commitment ring hollow when rapists are allowed to serve without consequence. These foundational principles, which are meant to guide the conduct of service members and foster a culture of respect and integrity, become meaningless when the very individuals who are supposed to uphold them are instead allowed to engage in heinous acts without facing appropriate repercussions. Protecting and promoting individuals who commit sexual assault not only contradicts these core values but also inflicts profound damage on the lives of countless service members, many of whom are left to navigate the aftermath of these traumatic experiences without the support and justice they deserve.

Survivors are often discarded like “pieces of trash,” as Julie’s experience shows. This dehumanizing treatment of victims highlights a systemic failure within the military justice system, where the voices of survivors are frequently silenced, and their experiences minimized. Such disregard not only exacerbates the trauma faced by individuals who have endured sexual violence but also contributes to a pervasive culture of fear and silence that discourages others from coming forward. This treatment undermines morale, erodes trust among service members, and ultimately compromises the integrity of the armed forces as a whole. True honor means standing up for victims, actively holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, and creating a safe and supportive environment for all service members, regardless of their gender or background. It requires a commitment to reforming existing policies and practices to ensure that justice is not just an ideal, but a reality for those who bravely serve their country.

What Can Be Done to Support Survivors?

• Increase funding for survivor support programs

Provide accessible counseling, medical care, and legal assistance tailored to military sexual trauma.

• Reform military justice procedures

Ensure independent investigations and fair trials that prioritize survivor safety and dignity.

• Raise public awareness

Encourage political leaders and the public to watch documentaries like The Invisible War and Justice Denied to understand the issue deeply.

• Implement survivor compensation

Establish clear policies for financial restitution to survivors, recognizing the lifelong impact of assault.

• Promote cultural change within the military

Train leaders and service members to prevent sexual assault and support survivors without stigma.

The Role of Citizens and Advocates

Advocacy from individuals like Julie Jewels Smoot is crucial, but change requires collective action. Citizens can:

• Contact elected officials to demand better policies for survivors

• Support organizations working to end military sexual assault

• Share survivor stories to break the silence and stigma

• Vote for leaders who prioritize military justice reform

  
  

Every voice counts in pushing for a military that truly lives up to its values.

It's beyond time that the US Government stops playing around. It's beyond time that the US Goverment stops allowing rape to happen in the US Military. It's beyond time that we have a President who has a spine to say enough of this and send a message to every single person in the Military and country that rape will no longer be tolerated, that women are valued and retaliation will not be tolerated or accepted anymore.

The US Navy ruined my life. The US Navy allowed me to be retaliated against after I was raped by Damon Mathis at Super 8 hotel on January 17, 2004. Then the US Navy allowed my chain of command who was Supply to emotionally abuse me, retaliate against me and cause me cut and burn myself. Now I live with nightmares and flashbacks. I see a therapist once a week that I am paying for out of my own damn pocket which should not be happening to begin with. The US Navy should be paying for my therapy, and I should be compensated at a level that says we are sorry and this should never have happened.

I have no respect for any one in authority. I sent my military service medals back to Congress in 2013 after the Senate Armed Services Committee ignored my friends who testified on Capitol Hill. I have tweeted, emailed, called only to be ignored. In my anger, I published my journal that tells exactly what happens when one is raped after Senator McCaskill, Graham, Fischer and Ayotte ignored us. Tell me Sir, who knows better about the effects of rape. One that it has happened to or some freaking twit that sits in a comfortable office and doesn't now the first thing about being raped? Tell me Sir, who knows better about rape, one that reported it and saw what NCIS did or some idiot that has never been in that position? Tell me Sir, who knows better about what their chain of command does, would it be the one serving that was raped and was retaliated against or the idiot sitting in Washington?

As I stated earlier, it's beyond time that me and every survivor are paid 5 million dollars. We should be awarded the purple heart. Rape is an assault on the body, mind, soul and emotions.