Female GIs reporting rapes by U.S. soldiers

Denver Post ^ | 1/24/2004 | MILES MOFFEIT AND AMY HERDY

[JohnGalt]

Female GIs reporting rapes by U.S. soldiers Women say response lacking within military, some even threatened MILES MOFFEIT AND AMY HERDY Denver Post Posted on Sat, Jan. 24, 2004

Female troops serving in Iraq are reporting an insidious enemy in their own camps: fellow American soldiers who sexually assault them.

At least 37 female service members have sought sexual-trauma counseling and other assistance from civilian rape-crisis organizations after returning from war duty in Iraq, Kuwait and other overseas stations, women's assistance and advocacy organizations say.

"We have significant concerns about the military's response to sexual assault in the combat zone," said Christine Hansen, executive director of the Connecticut-based Miles Foundation, which says it has assisted 31 women.

The women, ranging from enlisted soldiers to officers, have reported poor medical treatment, lack of counseling and incomplete criminal investigations by military officials. Some say they were threatened with punishment after reporting assaults.

The Pentagon did not respond to repeated requests for information about the number of sexual assault reports during the conflict. Defense officials would say only that they will not tolerate sexual assault in their ranks.

"Commanders at every level have a duty to take appropriate steps to prevent it, protect victims, and hold those who commit them accountable," a written statement from the Pentagon said.

Members of Congress said they are alarmed by the assault reports, confirming that they have learned of incidents as well. Colorado Sen. Wayne Allard said he intends to raise the issue with the Senate Armed Services Committee. Two Pennsylvania members of Congress, Rep. Joseph Pitts and Sen. Arlen Specter, intervened last month on one rape victim's behalf to bring her home.

Senate leaders pledged last year to investigate the military's handling of rape and domestic-violence cases after media reports of problems including flawed investigations, inadequate victim services and unusual leniency for soldier sex offenders. Congressional hearings were recommended, but none has been scheduled.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

I've been caring for my family today...I answered your freepmail though.

[lepton]

NOTHING justifies rape. Not "social engineering" . . . not the "fear of imminent death" . . . not the "she was probably asking for it" mentality. NOTHING. Some of the responses on this thread are truly sickening!!!

Define "rape". Now figure out what definition those describing it in the article are using.

I've been in the army. There are rapes that occur. There are homosexual rapes that occur (both male and female). There are also a LOT of things that happen that get defined as "rape" that are downright debatable even when all of the details are known.

There are also a lot of situations where BOTH people involved are in the wrong, and further are the people who put them in that situation.

Furthermore, being practical, there is a rather substantial difference between approving of something, and recognizing that certain events are prone to happen.

[lepton]

There was a story a while back claiming that 1 out of 3 women in college claimed to have been raped during their 4 years there.

AS I recall, the last such study I heard said raped, sexually assaulted, humiliated, or leered at.

[Bronco_Buster_FweetHyagh]

I was raped. Bruised, bloodied, vaginal tears, broken heart and emotions. Sounds pretty violent, doesn't it? You have NO idea what rape is about.

Sorry to hear that happened to you. I hope the criminal was caught, tried, and jailed.

That said, I know more about rape that I care to. I've worked on rape prosecution cases when I was a law clerk at the district attorney's office. I've also been a very close friend of two women who were raped. And I studied the issue extensively in my undergraduate studies.

[lepton]

TO whatever we got rape or stories about rape, MORAL goes down because of rape and sexual jeleousy.

Low moral hurts our readiness. Period.

My experience in the army: at least 95% of the knock-down drag-out fights between soldiers were about sex - who is, who isn't, and with whom. The remaining was mostly about stealing, with a small fraction about professional jealousy, loud stereos /choice of music or slovenliness.

[oldironsides]

The soldier from Pennsylvania was raped. She was brutalized in a shower by a filthy pig that beat her up. Her family called and was upset with the inaction and no news from the military. She was newly married and her husband is also active duty military. It was a brutal rape. The way it was handled was disgusting. It was suggested that they call as many legislators as possible to include Pa. Senator Arlin Specter. You had better tell your military daughters to watch carefully. This soldier was not new to the force and had been with the Stryker force when it arrived in the middle east. Did they catch the SOB? I do not know. I am in hopes her husband gets first shot at him

[Bella]

Another glorious example of the Clinton Legacy.

Clinton legacy? What's Clinton got to do with this when GW Bush is in charge.

[Bella]

Some of the women are stronger than men. It's too bad that these guys can't keep it in their pants. Can hear it now to the wives..oh, I needed it! He should've taken the matter in his hands!

[af_vet_1981]

So you are comparing the people that make up the Armed Forces of the United States to the drug dealers and thugs that inhabit our inner cities.

Where did you distinguish yourself in college ?

[DMCA]

That has no bearing on this discussion & you still haven't pointed out why you said our men and women in Iraq are the equivalent of street thugs when it comes to controlling their urges. For someone who claims to be a vet, you sure do not sound like it.

[af_vet_1981]

That has no bearing on this discussion

Actually it does. Your powers of reasoning are limited. Yes, you are new but perhaps I can help you.

[independentmind]

What I think this thread proves is that some posters, particularly the female ones, have not spent much time with men who have actually served in the armed forces.

[DMCA]

I am not the one that said our troops where incapable of acting like civilized people, you did.

If I am wrong please show me how I am incorrect.

[af_vet_1981]

So you are comparing the people that make up the Armed Forces of the United States to the drug dealers and thugs that inhabit our inner cities.

1. Your astute comments in #24: Isn't that the same logic that Islam uses to force women to cover up? You know, that men can not control themselves?
2. My response in #124: Many men do not control themselves. The perps should get a fair trial and fast hanging. It would be safer for everyone if women wore clothes and if those clothes were modest. Why wave red meat in front of a tiger ?
3. Your response in #127 Because we are a civilized people?
4. My comments to you in #129: No, you and I may be civilized people but you could not walk safely in hundreds of American cities if you were naked and unguarded.
5. Your mentally challenged comments in #134: So you are comparing the people that make up the Armed Forces of the United States to the drug dealers and thugs that inhabit our inner cities.
6. Your unusually mentally challenged comments in #150: That has no bearing on this discussion & you still haven't pointed out why you said our men and women in Iraq are the equivalent of street thugs when it comes to controlling their urges. For someone who claims to be a vet, you sure do not sound like it.

I feel like I'm grading your 6th grade English assignment and it is painful.

I don't know what level of education you aspired you or passed but your powers of analysis on this thread with respect to me are sorely lacking. Because I have compassion for you I would not want you to test out your theories in the real world. Suffice it to say that every organization has defects. The Armed Forces try very hard not to accept the defective men and women who constantly try to join. Some slip through the cracks and give the service a bad name when the crime and dishonor belongs to the perps alone. Nonetheless you will have to humor us and continue to wear your clothes.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

"Gee, you think?"

I'm assuming you're responding to post #67. I have never thought it was a good idea to put men and women together in the military. Especially in the moral vaccuum we have today.

[af_vet_1981]

I am not the one that said our troops where incapable of acting like civilized people, you did. If I am wrong please show me how I am incorrect.

You are the one who wrote it because you wanted to use a strawman argument for some unintelligible purpose.

[DMCA]

Since the topic of this thread was accusation of rape in the United States Military I did not feel the need to specify that in every posting. It appear that I was incorrect in that assumption and for this I apologize as I was unaware that you exhibited symptoms consistent with ADHA and/or excessive drug use.

I know several current and veteran members of our Military (That is the US Military in case you have forgotten), and I can tell you not a one of them behaves the way you do. Perhaps you where not in the military or, if you where, you received a less than honorable discharge. But please think before you speak because your UID does disservice to those that have fought and died for this country.

If you wish to further this conversation then please fill free to FRmail me.
As to insulting my thinking skills, it doesn't seem to have damaged my programming skills.

[af_vet_1981]

Since the topic of this thread was accusation of rape in the United States Military I did not feel the need to specify that in every posting. It appear that I was incorrect in that assumption and for this I apologize as I was unaware that you exhibited symptoms consistent with ADHA and/or excessive drug use.

You still don't seem to be able to make a cogent argument for whatever it is you think you are advocating.

I know several current and veteran members of our Military (That is the US Military in case you have forgotten), and I can tell you not a one of them behaves the way you do. Perhaps you where not in the military or, if you where, you received a less than honorable discharge. But please think before you speak because your UID does disservice to those that have fought and died for this country.

Ah yes, the "Some of my best friends are military" line.
You don't need to thank us for doing our service on your behalf. We did it for ourselves and others too. Just shut up and sing or volunteer and put your life on the line.

If you wish to further this conversation then please fill free to FRmail me. As to insulting my thinking skills, it doesn't seem to have damaged my programming skills.

I know you have something to offer someone. Refine it.

[TigersEye]

If they pass the EXACT SAME standards as men then yes. But to do not have to so that point is null and void.

It also nulls and voids your point that "Men should protect women, it is not their job to protect men." Your answers show inconsistency in your thinking. So IF women pass the exact same standards as men is it still stupid for them to be in combat zones?

[DMCA]

The first statment is my opinion of they way things should be.
The second statement is what our legal system (if it was sane) would force us to do.

It is legal for people to smoke, that doesn't mean it is smart to.