Veterans Disability Attorney Fausone Notes Pentagon's Proposal of New Steps In Light of Military Sexual Assaults

The Pentagon has announced new plans to shore up protection for victims of sexual assault, more closely control the behavior of both recruiters and trainers, and track sexual assault complaints.

"Steps to protect our troops from any unwanted sexual advances and assaultive behaviors are to be commended," stated James Fausone, a veterans disability attorney.

Steps include better enforcement of policies which prohibit inappropriate relationships, establishing an advocacy group within each service branch for victims which provides representation and legal advice for those with complaints of sexual assault, and disqualifying troop members who have backgrounds including sexual assault from roles as counselors, instructors or recruiters.

Meanwhile, an airman who was assigned to the Air Force Academy was convicted in August of aggravated sexual conduct at a general court martial against his fellow female airman.

The airman received a sentence of 15 months confinement. He was also reduced in grade to airman basic, and he was dishonorably discharged by a panel of officers. The conviction was just the latest in a series of high-profile military sexual assault cases as the Defense Department and Congress attempt to determine the best way to prosecute sexual assault cases and if a commanded should be included in proceedings.  

The now-former chief of the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Branch, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Krusinski, was arrested easier this year after allegedly committing sexual battery against a woman not far from the Pentagon after exiting a strip club. The ensuing fallout has thrown a harsh spotlight on sexual assault and misconduct against fellow officers in all branches of the service. Krusinski's post is now helmed by a woman who had been hired to investigate the assault by trainers of female recruits in Texas, at Lackland Air Force Base.

The Defense Department is currently looking at how to expand an Air Force program which offers special counsel to service members who allege that they are the victims of unwanted sexual conduct or sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact. 

There were an estimated 26,000 unwanted sexual contact incidents in 2012 experienced by active-duty troops.   

Sources

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/08/12/airman-at-afa-convicted-of-sexual-assault.html?comp=7000023435630&rank=7

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/08/15/military-sexual-assault-plans/2660005/

http://www.nbcnews.com/video/meet-the-press/52727533

 

Sexual Abuse in the Military – a Costly Problem

Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone (ret.)
 

The failure to address sexual assault in the military is costing the U.S. billions of dollars per year.

A new study released from the RAND Corporation calculated costs of medical and mental health services that victims of these assaults seek after an incident, as well as other “intangible” costs.  All told, the study believes that these costs reached $3.6 billion last year.

These findings add to a growing sense of urgency surrounding this important problem.  Reports of these incidents have spiked 35% since 2010.  Astoundingly, as many as 26,000 members of the military were sexually assaulted last year.

Currently, military sexual assaults are dealt with through the chain of command.  However, this can result in retaliation from co-workers and might discourage victims from coming forward.  In an attempt to combat this, the U.S. House of Representatives has recently passed a provision providing whistleblower protection to victims of these assaults. 

Additionally, some senators have proposed an amendment taking this process out of the chain of command entirely by creating special military prosecutors in charge of these investigations.

One thing is for sure – all necessary measures need to be taken to stop this atrocious conduct.  It is our duty to protect those who protect us.

If you have questions about this topic or other veteran issues, contact Legal Help For Veterans, a practice group of Fausone Bohn, LLP, at 800.693.4800 or online at www.legalhelpforveterans.com.