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Rape within the ranks
Published: 16 December, 2009, 09:35
Edited: 03 February, 2010, 11:58
TAGS: Crime, Military, Scandal, Middle East, Human rights, Sex, USA
American female soldiers step into war, facing the dangers of combat together, never imagining that the enemy could be standing by their side all along.
Startling figures straight from the US government show one out of three women soldiers are sexually assaulted within the ranks. Thus for them, fighting the enemy is not their only battle. The number of reported cases is on the rise and some victims are speaking out, in the hope more will be done to combat the problem.
“Rape in the Ranks: The Enemy Within” documents the stories of female soldiers, turned rape victims, at the hands of their fellow US comrades.
Filmmaker Mercedes Gallego says sex crimes in the military are common practice, because attackers rarely face investigation.
“Commanders do not encourage the women to come forward – or the opposite. They pretty much tell them to move on with their life,” says Mercedes Gallego, Rape in the Ranks filmmaker, adding, “that it won’t be good for their careers. They make them feel guilty and some of them have even been persecuted for coming forward and reporting it.”
Women account for 15% of US military personnel and are reportedly four times as likely to be raped when deployed in war zones.
Sexual assault in the military is a problem that is only getting worse. According to the US Pentagon, reported cases in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past year have increased 26%. But that figure is only based upon the victims who actually come forward.
In 2004, army staff sergeant Sandra Lee was deployed to Iraq, rebuilding schools and fighting insurgents.
During her tour, she says a senior officer raped her twice but she never reported the crime.
“I had a job to do. I didn't have the time or mental capability to deal with something like that,” says Sandra. “You’re on alert 24-7 all day long. If I allowed myself to deal with it or think about it I don't think I would have been able to make it.”
The eight-year veteran now talks publicly about the assaults, as she battles veterans and military officials over medical assistance.
"The army thinks that I am worth nothing, but at this point I do not even care,” says Sandra Lee. “I am so tired of fighting. I’m trying to live my life as normally as possible that I just can't fight this one more thing.”
A Veterans’ Affairs communication director, James J Peters from VA Medical Center, declined RT’s interview request, writing quote, “I am not authorized to provide subject matter experts for foreign press.”
Lee says the army is trying to boot her out with a less-than-honorable discharge, after requesting a transfer off the battlefield. Countless other faces are fighting the issue in court, a conflict within those who once faced combat together.
Meanwhile, getting pregnant during military service has been prohibited and could result in a court martial, according to a new policy announced by the US Army General in Iraq.
He says female soldiers who become pregnant, along with those who impregnate them, will be sent home to face criminal prosecution.
16.12.2009, 00:16
4 comments
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You expect my sympathy with your article when you write crap this
http://rt.com/usa/news/woman-husband-penis-bobbitt/
about a man being drugged, bound and having his penis cut off. Then you laugh at him. Give me a break.
We as people are supposed to feel safe in our homes, at work, and just simply walking down the street, but how are we supposed to be and feel safe if soldiers are going through these things. They protect us but they are not protected. Its not fare. They risk their lives to keep the peace, and a war is going on within the ranks because some of the women soldiers are not safe where they should be in one of the safest places. It is not safe here in town or cities or in camps for soldiers. Is there ever going to be a safe haven for anyone? Probably not, but with a little more effort things can be improved.
Being in a combat unit has nothing to do with getting raped in the military. You could be sitting at a teletype typing messages on the second shift 40 hrs. a week and still, if some sick soldier who's twice your size wants to rape you, all he needs is opportunity. Tell your first sergeant and you will get nothing but the "Well, it's your word against his." Would you want to send your 18 year old daughter up against this kind of attitude? Rape awareness should be part of basic training for every female soldier. It happens. And what female wants to make a career of the Army after being sexually assaulted? If she serves her three years and doesn't make a fuss, she thinks she has done well.