The United States Military culture has been fostering an environment of sexual abuse for ages. As a female and a member of the U.S Army, I've served for five years now. Through the course of my service, I've been harassed by multiple soldiers in leadership positions. I am a survivor of two sexual assaults and battery that occurred while serving. The military, in general, has done nothing but protect its offenders. They have made it clear to the victims that they don't matter, that these issues are their fault and that they asked to become a victim. Our men and women in uniform have the basic human rights to be protected from these offenses. These members signed up to serve our country. Service members are willing to lay their lives down to protect our freedom and our way of life. Who will protect them when their leadership fails them? Changes are needed now more than ever to defend our heroes from being victimized any further. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
In light of the Vanessa Guillen case, this platform is to bring change to this culture. I encourage members of every branch, whether you are Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard, Prior Service, and DOD Contractors, to use this platform and share your stories; let your voice be heard for once.
The goal of this awareness platform is to get our message to the highest level possible to incite change.
Changes to that need to be made:
* Any report of a sexual nature needs to go outside of the military. These reports need to go to a federal, impartial entity to be investigated. It should not be left up to "Commander's Discretion."
* One offense of any sexual manner should automatically be a dishonorable discharge. These offenders should not be allowed to continue to disgrace the military.
* Leadership needs to be held accountable regardless of their rank for their actions. This standard is to be attached to even the highest grades.
I highly encourage other ideas for changes and what changes you want to happen.
