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CBS is airing the results of its year and a half long investigation into the US military's broken sexual harassment and assault prevention system, I wanted to relay a few thoughts:
1) they're absolutely right. It's broken
2)most male servicemembers have no idea how broken it is
1) they're absolutely right. It's broken
2)most male servicemembers have no idea how broken it is
TW: sexual assault/harassment
A little while back, I was an investigating officer on a case of sexual harassment/assault. I can't share any specifics on it. But I wanted to share observations that might be helpful for people who think "it doesn't happen in my unit"
A little while back, I was an investigating officer on a case of sexual harassment/assault. I can't share any specifics on it. But I wanted to share observations that might be helpful for people who think "it doesn't happen in my unit"
1) commanders are often oblivious but think they know everything going on in the unit
2) Sr unit members say things like "that's just the way x is, he wouldn't actually do anything"
3) victims are usually jr (E4-O1)
4) assaulters hide behind reputation of "being really competent"
2) Sr unit members say things like "that's just the way x is, he wouldn't actually do anything"
3) victims are usually jr (E4-O1)
4) assaulters hide behind reputation of "being really competent"
We all like to say, "it doesn't happen in my unit" or "if it happened I'd do something about it." But often, we don't. Because we think it's a joke. Or because we don't want to cause waves.
I'll tell you what
Cause the fucking waves
I'll tell you what
Cause the fucking waves
It's when people cause waves - calling out the "jokes," telling people to stop being inappropriate, being allies to those who have been harassed/assaulted - that's when actual change in a unit culture can start.
It won't make you popular, but, shit, who cares. The harassers and assaulters in our formations are literally attacking are sisters and brothers in arms. Their actions are an attack on our units, and should be treated as such
Being an IO was an eye-opening experience - we NEED to be better
We absolutely have to be. And it begins with each of us speaking up, speaking out, and listening - being allies
We absolutely have to be. And it begins with each of us speaking up, speaking out, and listening - being allies
Here's the link to the CBS report for those interested https://www.cbsnews.com/news/military-sexual-assault-survivors-broken-system/
This is an excellent article for military leaders, on how to combat sexual harassment/assault and to create a unit culture where that behavior cannot fester and grow. We CAN fix this. http://companyleader.themilitaryleader.com/2020/11/07/athena-thriving-gender-discrimination/
