Real Men Don't Rape

As a victim of 11 years of child abuse, a civilian rape, and a female veteran of the Vietnam era who experienced sexual harassment daily, I am very concerned about the "Culture of Rape" that has become the norm in today's all volunteer military.

That the US military has allowed 1 out of every 3 of its female troops to be raped is an ironic and disgusting fact. How ironic that this massive, aggressive force that has supposedly been deployed to "protect us here at home" cannot or will not protect the females in its own ranks. How disgusting that an atmosphere of open hostility has surrounded the majority of military rape victims who sought treatment and dared to report the crime to their chains of command. How irresponsible that the chains of command have done very little to weed out, punish, and supply mental health treatment to the rapists within their forces.

Ironic, disgusting, and irresponsible, yes, but surprising? Not at all considering the sexual crimes against women and children that run rampant across the United States. Just turn on your television news for this week's report on young women or little girls who have been kidnapped, raped, and murdered.

In everyday America...

1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.

1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18.

Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under. (76)

An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today.

And 1 in 6 civilian women is raped or sexually assaulted during her lifetime.

American society thrives on violence. Violent sports and violent movies dominate the entertainment market while all things war make up the bulk of American exports. Is it any wonder that a country that cannot honestly and responsibly deal with sexual or anger issues has sexual violence exploding everywhere?



Although I was not raped during the time that I served in the US Army, I was sexually harassed every day. I barely escaped with my life on one occasion. Two other incidents involved myself and another female soldier (we usually went about on base in pairs for protection). We were stalked and then surrounded by packs of male soldiers who were closing in intent on gang rape. Both times it was dark and we were returning from the PX, which was not far from our barracks, at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. The first time we talked them out of it. The second time, a male soldier who was a friend of ours, came to our assistance. There were no drugs or alcohol involved on our parts. All three of these incidents were terrifying. It is very difficult for me to write this.

During the national convention this past August, the Veterans For Peace board voted to declare October 12-16, "Military Rape Awareness Week". I have written this piece to do my part to draw attention the indifference and danger that women in the American military face from those they serve with every day.

Please check out this link and distribute it widely - http://usmvaw.com/

Civilians that think sexual violence in the military does not concern them are dangerously wrong. Every time the chain of command acts as a hierarchy of voyeuristic enablers - A RAPIST GOES FREE! What happens when that unpunished, untreated, mentally unstable rapist returns to civilian life? Will he stop? They seldom do...

Do whatever you can to discourage young women from enlisting. They will face far more danger from the enemy within their ranks than the enemy "over there".
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Note - I have not written for almost a year and have been out of contact for that time as well. I have been tired, called in other directions, and just couldn't. explain. I have missed everyone and have thought of you all often. I plan to write more, but not as frequently as I used to - with all my heart, KWW