In the ranks of the armed forces, women constitute a minority, representing only 16.5% of servicemembers. Yet, a troubling reality persists: nearly 1 in 4 U.S. servicewomen report experiencing sexual assault, with over 50% facing sexual harassment during their military service.
Victims of such acts are presented with two avenues: filing restricted reports, offering confidentiality and counseling without a full investigation, or filing unrestricted reports, triggering a thorough inquiry. However, the effectiveness of the latter is often marred by discouraging statistics.
Led by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (N.C.I.S.), investigations into these crimes frequently culminate without convictions. In the fiscal year 2020, out of over 6,200 reported cases, only 50 resulted in sex-offense convictions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, a mere 0.8%.
Under this legal framework, commanders wield considerable discretion in determining whether to pursue legal action, a system fraught with risks of injustice. From 2007 to 2017, courts-martial plummeted by 69%, possibly due to administrative penalties preferred by commanders. Tragically, victims often face repercussions for coming forward, with 38% experiencing professional retaliation.
The ordeal doesn't end upon leaving service. Veterans grappling with the enduring mental health effects of military sexual trauma (MST) encounter a second battle with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Despite efforts to lower evidence thresholds for PTSD-related disability benefits, a 2018 report found that 46% of claims related to MST-induced PTSD were denied, exacerbating the struggle for justice.
The ramifications of MST reverberate long after service, with servicewomen and female veterans at heightened risk of suicide, intimate-partner violence, and homelessness. From 2007 to 2017, the age-adjusted suicide rate among women veterans surged by 73%, with women accounting for 31% of all suicide attempts among active-duty service members in 2019.
In discussing the pervasive issue of MST, it's crucial to recognize that men are also affected by these experiences within the armed forces. While women constitute a significant portion of MST survivors, men are not immune to such trauma. The prevalence of MST among male servicemembers, though often less acknowledged, underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual violence in the military. Male survivors of MST face similar challenges in reporting and seeking justice, and they too grapple with the long-term mental and physical consequences of their experiences.
The VA recognizes the gravity of MST, offering support and treatment for affected individuals. MST encompasses a spectrum of coercive behaviors, including sexual assault and threatening sexual harassment, with lasting impacts on mental and physical health.
It's imperative that we acknowledge and address the systemic failures perpetuating sexual violence within the military. By advocating for reforms in military justice, providing comprehensive support for survivors, and fostering a culture of accountability, we can strive towards a future where servicemembers and veterans are truly protected and empowered.
If you want to learn more about the correlation between MST and disability benefits, please contact our office at 404-467-9017.