Sex Assaults Against Women in Military 'Epidemic'

Assaults often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, survey of 125K finds

(NEWSER) - Some 15% of female Iraq or Afghanistan veterans seeking medical care report suffering sexual trauma, including harassment or assault while on duty, a study finds, with more than half suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The study by the Department of Veterans Affairs surveyed more than 125,000 in 2001-2007, USA Today reports; the Pentagon plans to bolster prevention efforts. More»

They say they were raped, sexually harassed

(NEWSER) - Eight current and former servicewomen have filed a lawsuit against the US military, saying that they suffered rape, sexual harassment, and other abuse, and that reporting it to their superiors brought retaliation. The suit, which names past and current leaders up to and including Leon Panetta, says the military has a "high tolerance for sexual predators in their ranks," according to the AP . Of the eight women, seven say a comrade raped or attempted to sexually assault them. One is a current active-duty Marine, the rest are veterans. More»

(NEWSER) - A House member is incensed that a Pentagon official, reporting a 25% increase in combat-zone sexual assault against women, said servicemen should “wait until she's sober,” the New York Daily News reports. “This woman is not in the right line of work,” Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-NY, says of Dr. Kaye Whitley. Whitley said the remark was inspired by a recruiting poster entitled “My Strength is for Defending.” More»

After alleged rape, 2nd case threatens US-Japan ties

(NEWSER) - The American military is investigating a second allegation of sexual assault against a woman on the Japanese island of Okinawa. Reuters reports that a soldier has been taken into custody, accused of sexual assault against a Filipina living on the island. The new allegation comes only a week after a Marine was arrested on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old girl. More»

With 130 women killed in Afghanistan, Iraq, combat roles evolving

(NEWSER) - Two female army reservists filed suit against the US military yesterday, claiming the policy preventing women from serving in combat is unconstitutional, reports Reuters . Being banned from combat "solely on the basis of sex" violates their Fifth Amendment rights and "restricts their current and future earnings, their potential for promotion and advancement, and their future retirement benefits," wrote Command Sergeant Major Jane Baldwin and Colonel Ellen Haring in their lawsuit. More»