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.

[bogdanPolska12]

Thank you.

[Stone Mountain]

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

We shouldn't allow women in combat because our own male soldiers are incapable of serving with them without raping them? Sorry. There are many good reasons why women shouldn't be allowed in combat. This isn't one of them.

[stylin_geek]

I didn't get that impression, however, with as sensitive as some people can be, I did think a little clarification wouldn't hurt.

[Ann Archy]

NEVER write to me again...NEVER.

[highlander_UW]

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

How very true. What hypocrisy the left has to support a serial rapist and then to complain when it isn't their beloved Bubba.

These rapists will be dealt with appropriately, military prisons aren't reknown for their comfort.

[Kozak]

..wasn't lolita a slut?

No Lolita was the character in a novel by Vladimir Nabokov, who was the victim of statutory rape by her stepfather Humbert Humbert. Her name is now synonymous with a child seductress, as she was not exactly an innocent. But nothing excuses rape....

[Kozak]

Now Im depressed, some troll hates me . Do you think I could go to DU and get a group hug lol

I got all warm and fuzzy just knowing I got that moron all upset. I have a mental picture of this goon frothing at the mouth and pounding his keyboard in frustration. Ah, it's Miller time...

[Kozak]

Someone said that DirtyUnderwear has a "most hated FReeper" thread

Gee, kind of like making the Hall of Fame! This will spur me on to even greater efforts....

[nmh]

"We shouldn't allow women in combat because our own male soldiers are incapable of serving with them without raping them? Sorry. There are many good reasons why women shouldn't be allowed in combat. This isn't one of them."

Here I though, women in combat postions could handle themselves ... g.i. Jane ... guess I was wrong. Considering the way many do handle themeslves like the cute blond, ah what's her name Jessica Lynch ... she's just lucky that Larry Flynt of Hustler saved the day!

[ChicagoHebrew]

Technically, someone who is anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian isn't necessarily a race. Being an Arab is an ethnicity, and being Palestinian is a (debatable) national origin. Neither are "races."