VA finds assaults on women more common

http://www.postcrescent.com/viewart/20121228/APC0101/312280213/VA-finds-assaults-women-more-common

VA finds assaults on women more common
6:00 AM, Dec 28, 2012
Gregg Zoroya

About half of women sent to Iraq or Afghanistan report being sexually harassed, and nearly one in four say they were sexually assaulted, according to new research by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The study, based on anonymous surveys of female service members who deployed to war, suggest a far higher prevalence of sexual misconduct against women in war zones than is reflected by complaints gathered by the various service branches.

In February, more than 20,000 women were serving in Afghanistan. In the preceding year, only 115 reports were filed alleging sexual assault, according to the Pentagon.

The findings show there are traumatic strains beyond combat when troops go to war, said Amy Street, a lead researcher, clinical psychologist and a deputy director at one of VA’s National Centers for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorders) in Boston.