The Unacceptable Silence of the US Government on Military Sexual Trauma Survivors

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) remains a deeply troubling issue within the United States Armed Forces, affecting thousands of service members each year. This form of trauma encompasses a range of experiences, including sexual assault and repeated, unsolicited sexual advances that occur during military service. Despite growing awareness and advocacy from various organizations and individuals dedicated to this cause, survivors of MST continue to face significant challenges, including neglect, disbelief, and even retaliation from their peers and superiors. The stigma surrounding MST often leads to an environment where victims feel isolated and unsupported, further compounding their trauma.

Navy Veteran Honey Badger’s relentless efforts to bring attention to this crisis highlight a painful truth: the US Government often ignores those who have suffered the worst violations while serving their country. Through her advocacy, Honey Badger not only raises awareness about the prevalence of MST but also emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change within military culture and policies. She shares her own experiences and those of other survivors, shedding light on the pervasive issues of victim-blaming and the lack of accountability for perpetrators. These narratives are crucial in illustrating the deep-rooted problems that exist and the need for a more compassionate and supportive approach to handling cases of MST.

This silence and inaction are unacceptable, as they contribute to a culture of impunity where offenders can operate without fear of consequences, while survivors are left to navigate their trauma alone. The consequences of MST extend far beyond the immediate physical and emotional impact on victims; they can lead to long-term psychological issues, including Complex PTSD, depression, cutting, burning oneself, chronic pain, distrust of authority figures, body memories, avoidance of seeing a gynecologist and anxiety. Furthermore, the failure to adequately address MST can have broader implications for military readiness and morale, as service members may hesitate to report incidents out of fear of retaliation or disbelief.

As advocacy efforts continue to gain momentum, it is imperative that the military and government agencies take concrete steps to address the systemic barriers that prevent survivors from receiving the support they need. This includes implementing comprehensive training programs aimed at preventing sexual violence, ensuring that reporting processes are safe and confidential, and holding accountable those who commit acts of sexual assault. Only through these measures can the military begin to foster an environment where all service members feel safe, valued, and respected.

A folded American flag and military medals symbolizing service and sacrifice

The Reality of Military Sexual Trauma

Military Sexual Trauma refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. The Department of War estimates that thousands of service members are affected each year, but many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation or stigma. Survivors often face:

• Victim blaming and shaming

• Emotional abuse from peers and superiors

• Retaliation that can include career damage or discharge

• Lack of adequate support or justice

  
  

Honey Badger's experience is a clear illustration of systemic failure. After being raped while serving in the Navy, she faced disbelief and punishment from the system meant to protect her. Despite her attacker confessing in an email, NCIS took no action. He admitted, "So taking a woman is something I am done with and so you remember. how.........Messing with a white woman, I should have never have done." She suffered emotional abuse and was ultimately forced out of service. Her story is not isolated but highlights a broader issue. It is unacceptable that the US Navy prioritizes perpetrators over survivors. It is unacceptable that elected officials fail to engage with survivors, listen to them, or watch documentaries like The Invisible War and Justice Denied, or read survivor accounts like The Boulders in My Life that Shaped My Journey, among others. It is unacceptable that survivors are removed from Capitol Hill by police for merely wanting to meet with their Representatives and Senators. It is unacceptable for Representatives and Senators to allow their staff to mock those who were raped while serving this country. None of us enlisted or received a commission to be raped. It is unacceptable that undocumented individuals receive $50,000 to $100,000 while rape survivors are neglected and cannot receive adequate care at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Every survivor of military sexual trauma/rape should receive millions, and we should have access to our choice of therapy, funded by the Department of War since they seem to allow rapists to repeatedly offend.

The Government’s Failure to Protect Survivors

One would expect the US Government and military leadership to uphold fundamental values such as Honor, Courage, and Commitment by not only protecting survivors of sexual assault but also by holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. These values are deeply ingrained in the ethos of the military and are meant to foster an environment of trust, safety, and integrity. However, the stark reality faced by many survivors is that the system often seems to protect rapists and prioritize the reputation of the chain of command over the pursuit of justice. This troubling dynamic creates a culture where survivors feel marginalized and unsupported, leading to a profound sense of betrayal by the very institutions that are supposed to protect them.

Survivors frequently report experiences that highlight the inadequacies of the military justice system. Many have encountered obstacles that discourage them from reporting incidents of sexual assault, including fears of retaliation, disbelief from superiors, and a lack of accessible resources. The pervasive atmosphere of silence and stigma surrounding these issues often leads to a feeling of isolation among survivors, compounding their trauma and making it difficult for them to seek the help they need. Instead of receiving the support and validation they deserve, they often find themselves navigating a system that seems more concerned with maintaining the status quo than addressing the underlying problems of sexual violence within the ranks.

In this context, Honey Badger’s activism emerges as a powerful and poignant response to the systemic failures that have been allowed to persist for far too long. Her efforts, which include writing impactful books, making strategic phone calls, engaging in social media activism, and even returning her military medals to Representative Jackie Speier, serve as a bold declaration of her discontent and a call to action for real change. This symbolic act of returning her medals is not merely a personal statement; it represents a breaking point for many who feel that their sacrifices have been overshadowed by a culture of silence and complicity. It should never have come to this level of desperation, where a former service member feels compelled to take such drastic measures to draw attention to the injustices faced by survivors.

The government’s ongoing silence and inaction regarding these critical issues sends a disheartening message: that survivors are expendable and that their suffering is secondary to the interests of the institution. This lack of accountability not only undermines the principles of justice and fairness but also erodes trust in the military and government as a whole. It is essential for leaders to recognize that by failing to address these issues head-on, they are not only failing the individuals directly affected but also damaging the integrity and moral authority of the institutions they represent. The need for comprehensive reforms that prioritize the voices and experiences of survivors is more urgent than ever, and it is imperative that the military and government take decisive steps to ensure that justice is served and that the values they espouse are genuinely upheld.

Why Does This Silence Persist?

Several factors contribute to the ongoing neglect of MST survivors:

• Institutional Culture: The military’s hierarchical structure often discourages reporting abuse, fearing damage to unit cohesion or reputation.

• Chain of Command Control: Commanders have significant influence over investigations, which can lead to conflicts of interest and cover-ups.

• Lack of Accountability: Perpetrators frequently face minimal consequences, emboldening repeat offenses.

• Inadequate Support Systems: Survivors often find limited access to counseling, legal aid, or medical care tailored to their needs.

  
  

These factors create an environment where survivors feel isolated and powerless.

The Human Cost of Ignoring Survivors

Ignoring MST survivors has devastating consequences:

• Mental Health Struggles: PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts are common among survivors.

• Career Impact: Many survivors face retaliation that ends their military careers prematurely.

• Loss of Trust: Survivors lose faith in the military and government institutions, which can affect recruitment and morale.

• Social Stigma: Survivors often carry the burden of shame and isolation long after service ends.

  
  

Honey Badger’s experience reflects these realities. Her courage in speaking out reveals the urgent need for systemic change.

Steps Toward Change

Addressing MST requires comprehensive reforms:

• Independent Investigations: Removing the chain of command from the investigative process to ensure impartiality. .

  Compensation for Survivors: Each survivor of military sexual trauma or rape should receive millions of dollars in compensation.

• Stronger Accountability: Enforcing harsher penalties for perpetrators and protecting whistleblowers.

• Enhanced Support Services: Providing accessible mental health care, legal support, and survivor advocacy programs.

• Cultural Shift: Training military personnel to recognize, prevent, and respond appropriately to sexual trauma.

• Legislative Action: Passing laws that prioritize survivor rights and transparency in handling MST cases.

  
  

Honey Badger’s activism exemplifies the power of survivor voices in pushing for these changes.

How You Can Support Survivors

Everyone can play a role in supporting MST survivors:

• Listen and Believe: Validate survivors’ experiences without judgment.

• Advocate for Policy Change: Support legislation that protects survivors and reforms military justice.

• Raise Awareness: Share accurate information to break the stigma around MST.

• Support Veteran Organizations: Donate or volunteer with groups that assist MST survivors.

• Hold Leaders Accountable: Demand transparency and action from elected officials and military leaders.

  
  

Survivors like Honey Badger deserve more than silence—they deserve justice and respect.

The Path Forward

The US Government’s failure to adequately address Military Sexual Trauma (MST) represents a profound betrayal of those who bravely serve their country. Survivors of MST have demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable pain and trauma, yet their voices are too often marginalized and overlooked in discussions surrounding military culture and policy. This systemic neglect not only undermines the well-being of the individuals affected but also tarnishes the integrity of the military as an institution. It is imperative that the government shifts its focus from protecting perpetrators to honoring the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. By doing so, it can begin to stand firmly with survivors, acknowledging their experiences and providing the necessary support and resources to aid in their healing process.

The silence surrounding MST must come to an end. Survivors must be heard, supported, and protected, not only through the implementation of policies that prioritize their safety but also through a cultural shift that fosters an environment of accountability and respect. This requires a comprehensive approach that includes better training for military personnel on issues of consent and respect, as well as robust reporting mechanisms that empower survivors to come forward without fear of retaliation or stigma. Only then can the military evolve into a place where all who serve are safe, respected, and valued for their contributions.

Furthermore, the government must invest in mental health services and programs specifically designed for MST survivors, ensuring that they have access to the care they need to recover from their experiences. This includes therapy, counseling, and peer support groups that can provide a safe space for survivors to share their stories and connect with others who have faced similar challenges. Additionally, the military must commit to transparency in addressing allegations of sexual trauma, ensuring that investigations are conducted thoroughly and impartially, and that appropriate actions are taken against those found guilty of misconduct.

By taking these steps, the military can begin to rebuild trust among its members and create an inclusive environment where all individuals feel safe and empowered to serve. It is time for the US Government to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take meaningful action to support survivors of Military Sexual Trauma. Only through genuine commitment to change can we hope to create a military culture that truly reflects the values we hold dear.