Academy Sexual Assault Report Out

[unhappycamper]

Academy Sexual Assault Report Out
Associated Press | December 08, 2007

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Some students at military academies fear retaliation if they report sexual assaults and others don't understand the reporting options created to give them confidentiality, according to a Defense Department report released Friday.

There were 40 reports of sexual assault from June 1, 2006, to May 31 at three academies: the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Among those assaults, 20 cadets and midshipmen used a new confidential reporting option that was enacted across the Defense Department in 2005-2006, the report found. The option allows victims to choose to obtain medical, mental health care and other services without becoming involved in the criminal justice process.

But the report found that less than half of the U.S. Naval Academy's midshipmen understand the difference between the new confidential reporting and another option, which allows victims to make an unrestricted report through the chain of command, duty officers and law enforcement.

The academy needs to emphasize how students can report incidents, the report said.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,157843,00.html?wh=wh

[Jamastiene]

1. Why am I not surprised?

We have many many great members of our military who act with dignity and honor, but we also have a contingent there who is only there to rape, rob, and pillage. And the leadership seems awfully lacking.

Anyone who has been sexually assaulted should not have to fear retaliation. If I had a kid, I would strongly discourage them from joining right now for 2 reasons; Bush's bullshit war and the dishonor of having to endure rape without any justice.