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.

[independentmind]

I do not understand your question, but feel free to read the article I just posted.

[TigersEye]

I will try to not respond to TigersEye's post in the future.

Don't try not to, don't. I have no use for discourse with liars.

[oldtimer]

...The slickmeister did everything he could do demean and destroy our military.

The UN was our hope, and defence.

Putting women in the trenches was a real coup, and I will bet no bull dykes have been raped.

[DMCA]

Stop the insults. I said I would try as I am unaware of any killfile/ignore function built into FR and I sometimes post when I am tired and I was not going to give you something that you could use to have me banned.

After all, you are the one that is continuing this and the one that refused to take this to email.

I suggest that we just both walkaway and try to avoid each other.

[TigersEye]

I suggest you go back to #172 and read the choices I gave you. You seem to have made your choice.

[DMCA]

I did respond. It is #172. And seeing as how I do not recognize your as having any authority over me why should I listen to your threats. Besides, you have already messaged the Admin Moderators so you have already carried out your threat so saying it again is just a waste of everyones time.

I am willing to walk away if you are.

[TigersEye]

Your reply is #172? I don't think so. Did you show where I defended rape or agreed with the "Islamic" way of treating women? I don't think so. You just continued to use the same unfounded insult.

I am willing to walk away if you are.

I'm not.

[DMCA]

Well I will be the bigger person and walk away. If you desire to continue this discussion please us FRmail or I can give you another email account if you so desire. But I will not continue this discussion on this thread.

God speed and God bless.

[DMCA]

One last thing. I didn't say you defend rape/islam. I said you where defending those that did defend rape/islam as you where defending 1981.

[TigersEye]

DMCA: post #170 - And one you stop defending rape and agreeing with the Islamic way of treating women I will think about apologizing.

DMCA: post #174 - Now please go back to defending those that think the Muslem way of treating women is OK and I will pray that your daughters do not marry a man who will treat them that way.

It would seem you are incapable of telling the truth. You don't seem too big to me.

[DMCA]

You are defending 1981 so I assumed that you agreed with his views as one does not normally defend views that one does not agree with. If I was wrong in this assumption please accept my apology.

[TigersEye]

I said you where defending those that did defend rape/islam as you where defending 1981.

But you can't find one thing I've posted to show that. I was defending him from this:

I apologize as I was unaware that you exhibited symptoms consistent with ADHA and/or excessive drug use.

I can see nothing in your previous exchanges with him to warrant that kind of personal attack. And you have the gall to cite forum rules about insults?

You are defending 1981 so I assumed that you agreed with his views ...

Did I force you to assume things? Did I force you to continue falsely accusing me? Talk about using a leftist front to cover your lack of substance. Innuendo and lies fill the bill.

Admin Moderator, if you would, please leave this clown's posts up. It's better that way.

[The Red Zone]

Let me summarize the debate for both of you: HISS! SPIT!

[TigersEye]

Is that right?

[nmh]

One way to stop this is NOT to allow women in combat positions. It's time to face reality.

[DMCA]

I apologize to those that have had to watch this train wreck. I will endeavor in the future to walk away before things spiral out of control like a runaway welfare program.

[The Red Zone]

Is that right?

Well, I guess not. I forgot: REOWRRRL!

[TigersEye]

That's very special of you. Apparently you either agree with DMCA's accusations or you think I should just sit back and take it. Do you also agree with the way he has mischaracterized af_vet_1981's posts? Did af_vet bring those insults and accusations on himself? I find it appalling that anyone would treat a veteran like that. I'm afraid I don't see the reason for it in anything af_vet posted. Perhaps you can enlighten me so I can make proper amends.

[connectthedots]

I know a woman who was a Coaast Guard officer, and she confirms that even women officers are victims.