Don't Ask, Don't Tell (and Not the Way You're Thinking)

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1968110,00.html?xid=rss-topstories-cnnpartner


This article was a rather big shocker. Even though I knew that there were sexual assaults going on overseas, I really did not think it was this bad. First of all, these women are in our military to protect and serve. But the real question is who is there to protect them?

After looking at the statistics, I was very surprised to see how often these horrific acts happen to our femal soldiers. What's even more of a shocker is that many of these acts go unheard of. Many soldiers choose to not report what happened to them for fear of either being demoted or face ridicule among other things.

It is not at all okay for this to be going on. It only further shows that there is still a big gap in gender today. What is supposed to be an honorable title to many women, turns out to be a big nightmare because too many of them are afraid to speak out.

One passage in this article says that some of the soldiers do not report these happenings because they feel like they would be betraying their unit and would not want to disrupt a mission because they have been sexually intruded. In reality, they are betraying themselves and their values. I know know woman out there is thinking, "If I am violated in any way, I should just keep my mouth shut because I would be bringing everything down around me."

Another shocker? Eighty percent of those who are convicted of performing these horrific crimes are given a dishonorable discharge. What is up with that?! First of all, a very low percentage of these crimes are reported. And out of this small percentage, a large amount of suspects are respectfully kicked out of the military.

Clearly, there is something wrong with the system. If women are afraid to report what is happening to them, it is not safe for them to be in military positions. Out of the small amount of crimes that are reported, too many suspects are given leniency. The system needs to change because there is fear running through all female soldiers out there. Hopefully, soon there will be changes made to make these soldiers feel safe and for them to get justice.