Military’s sexual-assault problem has deep roots

[unhappycamper]

http://kdhnews.com/military/military-s-sexual-assault-problem-has-deep-roots/article_65d1943a-cbf4-11e2-964c-001a4bcf6878.html

Military’s sexual-assault problem has deep roots
Posted: Monday, June 3, 2013 4:30 am
Associated Press

NEW YORK — Sexual assault occurs in myriad settings and the perpetrators come from every swath of U.S. society. Yet as recent incidents and reports make clear, it’s a particularly intractable problem in the military, with its enduring macho culture and unique legal system.

The most significant factor, according to advocates, is the perception by victims in the military that they lack the recourses available in the civilian world to bring assailants to justice.

“The military says they have zero tolerance, but in fact that’s not true,” said Dr. Katherine Scheirman, a retired Air Force colonel with more than 20 years of service in the U.S. and abroad. “Having a sexual assault case in your unit is considered something bad, so commanders have had an incredible incentive not to destroy their own careers by prosecuting someone.”

Insisting it takes the problem seriously, the military has put in place numerous policies and programs to reduce the assaults, notably since the 1991 Tailhook scandal in which Navy pilots were accused of sexually abusing female officers at a Las Vegas convention.

[wercal]

1. This part rang very true to me:

“Having a sexual assault case in your unit is considered something bad, so commanders have had an incredible incentive not to destroy their own careers by prosecuting someone.”

The first line 'prosecutor' of criminal acts is really the Company Commander...after that is the Battalion Commander, and Brigade Commander. Every one of these men is in a highly competitive environment for promotion...and any type of criminal case will ultimately make them look bad, as their 'command climate' will be questioned.

I have seen something as serious as suspicious deaths get swept under the carpet as accidents and suicides, without investigation.

BTW, I was in an all male unit, so I don't have alot of experience with sexual assaults, and frankly I never thought it was a problem...but I can see how allegations would get squashed.