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.

[The Red Zone]

Who the players are and what they stand for has long been forgotten in the HISS! SPITT!! MEOWROWROWRRRRRLLL!!!

[Admin Moderator]

Knock it off.

[TigersEye]

Yes, it's pretty hard to keep track of three FReepnames and one argument all at the same time. Many thanks for your two cents.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

"The UN was our hope, and defence."

What do you mean?

[JohnGalt]

Agreed.

[af_vet_1981]

I understand your point. There is often other evidence of trauma to supplement the victim's testimony. Rape is a real crime. It happens far too frequently. The perps need fair trials and fast hangings. Unfortunately the legal industry views them as products and recycles them as quickly as possible where they prey on more victims. BTW, I view a woman who commits perjury as a perp who deserves the same sentence as the one she accused would receive were a conviction obtained.

[af_vet_1981]

I agree with you. The volunteer system is superior from the Services point of view (less defects to detect and remove). Those who hate the military always blame the Services for the defects that creep in but they are a product of their families, cities, towns, and villages. I have only the highest regard for the USAF. There are standards and if good men and women do not remain silent they can be enforced.

[Restorer]

BTW, I view a woman who commits perjury as a perp who deserves the same sentence as the one she accused would receive were a conviction obtained.

Exactly what the Law of Moses called for, FWIW. True justice.

The problem is that perjury is very widespread and almost never prosecuted.

[oldtimer]

Kucinich, and the rest of the rat dwarves think we should be part of the "world community".

The UN is absolute garbage and needs to be moved to Paris.

[E.G.C.]

TROLL ALERT!!!!!!!

[Poohbah]

Don't go away mad. Just go away.

[LibWhacker]

The fag's back.

[Constitution Day]

There you have it. Not only is this a forum for anti-Arab, anti-Palestinian racists, for people who like gay-bashing, lying and defending the Bush administration without respect for arguments and not even scientific facts, you even support rape!

It's an unfair world, sweetie. Go start your own forum if you wish to opine.

[sauropod]

To quote your hero, Better put some ice on that.

[N. Theknow]

And like a dog returns to its vomit a fool returns to its folly and here you are!

[metesky]

lolita 1 we hardly knew ye.

[Poohbah]

Any liberal outrage at rape rings rather hollow with their history of defending Clinton and concealing his record of raping women.