US Coast Guard Seal with motto Semper Paratus (“Always Ready”), Source Navy Reservist (March 2008), (PD)
It is a shame that we must begin the New Year with a focus on misogyny in the military.
Four courageous women have testified before Congress to the rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment they were forced to endure at the US Coast Guard Academy with no consequences to the perpetrators [1A].
Legally, rape is non-consensual sexual intercourse by physical force, threats, or drugs [2A]. Sexual assault involves any non-consensual sexual contact [2B]. Sexual harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical intimidation either in the workplace or in an educational setting [3].
- One woman had to continue living and studying beside the student who had sexually assaulted her [1B].
- Another attempted suicide after being raped and sexually assaulted by two different classmates [1C].
- A third woman was groped in front of dozens of laughing onlookers [1D].
- The fourth woman was actually penalized for the damage which resulted when two students broke down her dorm room door to attack her and her roommate in their beds [1E].
The demeanor of these women was professional, their testimony compelling. As CNN reports, their stories are not unique. Continue reading
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 