Military Sexual Assault & Harassment: MULTIMEDIA

The Defense Department’s independent review panel investigating the military’s handling of sexual assault heard testimony on recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the systems used to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate crimes involving adult sexual assault and related offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Major General Jeffrey Snow, head of the Defense Department’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, talked about the findings of the federal advisory committee created to review the systems used to investigate and prosecute sexual assaults under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 
This program was the first panel at a series of Department of Defense meetings of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel. The meetings were held at the George Washington University Law School..

Major General Jeffrey Snow, head of the Defense Department’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, talked about the findings of the federal advisory committee created to review the systems used to investigate and prosecute sexual assaults under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 
This program was the second panel at a series of Department of Defense meetings of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel. The meetings were held at the George Washington University Law School.

Members of the Defense Department’s Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel reviewed the findings of their study of the systems used to investigate and prosecute sexual assaults under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Recommendations discussed in this portion included that Congress not enact the Victim Protection Act that would allow victims of sexual assault have a choice of a military or civilian prosecution. Another was that the definition of sexual assault under Article 120 be narrowed to match the definition in the civilian world. 

This program was the third panel at a series of Department of Defense meetings of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel. The meetings were held at the George Washington University Law School.

Members of the Defense Department’s Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel reviewed the findings of their study of the systems used to investigate and prosecute sexual assaults under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In this portion they examined the role of military judges and changes to military trials.
This program was the fourth panel at a series of Department of Defense meetings of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel. The meetings were held at the George Washington University Law School.

Members of the Defense Department’s Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel finished reviewing the findings of their Comparative Systems Subcommittee study of the systems used to investigate and prosecute sexual assaults under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In this portion the subcommittee recommended giving military judges the sole authority in sentencing.
This program was the fifth panel at a series of Department of Defense meetings of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel. The meetings were held at the George Washington University Law School.

Members of the Defense Department’s Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel reviewed the findings of their study of the systems used to investigate and prosecute sexual assaults under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In this portion members compared military and civilian systems, discussed the role of commanders, and assessed the effectiveness of military services for providing support and protection to victims of sexual assault
This program was the sixth panel at a series of Department of Defense meetings of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel. The meetings were held at the George Washington University Law School.

Senior Army officials spoke at a National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month event hosted by the Army Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Office.

Retired senior commanders from the various branches of the U.S. military testified before a federal advisory committee conducting an independent review of the systems for handling cases of adult sexual assault in the military. These witnesses testified on why commanders should be taken out of the chain of command in prosecuting sexual assaults. Major General Rainville, Rear Admiral Evans, and Colonel McHale testified by telephone.

Retired senior commanders from the various branches of the U.S. military testified before a federal advisory committee conducting an independent review of the systems for handling cases of adult sexual assault in the military. These witnesses testified on why taking the commanders out of the chain of command in prosecuting sexual assaults would be a bad practice. Vice Admiral Vitale and Lieutenant General Jodice testifie by telephone.

Retired senior commanders from the various branches of the U.S. military testified before a federal advisory committee conducting an independent review of the systems for handling cases of adult sexual assault in the military. These witnesses testified on why taking the commanders out of the chain of command in prosecuting sexual assaults would be a bad practice. Vice Admiral Vitale and Lieutenant General Jodice testified by telephone.

Members of a federal advisory committee conducting an independent review of the systems for handling cases of adult sexual assault in the military made their final deliberations following testimony from three panels. They considered whether or not to remove authority from commanders, and then voting to maintain the chain of command in dealing with assault cases. 
Made a preliminary decision to maintain the chain of command in dealing with assault cases. The panel was made up of four congressional-picked members and five picked by the Pentagon.

Pentagon officals briefed reporters about new Department of Defense sexual assault prevention and response initiatives. The proposals included expanding an advocacy program for victims to all branches of the military, creating a uniform definition for inappropriate relationships ,and new procedures for reassigning those accused of committing assault. Spokesperson George Little also commented on President Obama’s decision to cancel a planned joint military exercise with Egypt in response to the violence in that country.

The Defense Department’s independent review panel investigating the military’s handling of sexual assault heard testimony about the differing approaches taken towards victims of sexual crimes in the civilian and military justice systems.
This was the first meeting of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel. It was held at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The independent review panel investigating the military’s handling of sexual assault heard testimony on the studies the military has conducted and continues to conduct on the issue. Among the topics they addressed was why the word “rape” was not used in surveys and the role culture plays in sexual assaults.
This was the first meeting of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel.*It was held at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The independent review panel investigating the military’s handling of sexual assault heard testimony about the differing approaches taken towards victims of sexual crimes in the civilian and military justice systems. Panelists focused on the role of the commanding officer in the military justice system.
This was the first meeting of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel. It was held at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Army Secretary John McHugh talked about the Army’s SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention) program. This was part of a U.S. Army two-day summit on sexual harassment, an initiative launched by Secretary McHugh.

General Ray Odierno talked about the Army’s SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention) program. This was part of a U.S. Army two-day summit on sexual harassment, an initiative launched by Secretary of the Army John McHugh.

Defense Secretary Hagel spoke to reporters about the Sexual Assault Prevention Response Initiatives.* Secretary Hagel said that sexual assault in the military is a “culture problem,” and needs to be eliminated. Major General Gary Patton also gave details on the eight new initiatives.

Members of a review panel spoke to reporters about their investigation into and report on allegations of sexual misconduct and assault at the Air Force Academy. The report criticized officials within the Academy and Air Force leaders in general for upholding a culture of indifference to claims of misconduct. It also called for further investigation into potential disciplinary action against Air Force officials. Following their remarks they answered questions from the reporters.

Secretary West and General Reimer briefed reporters about a ten month study on sexual harassment in the United States Army. Secretary West said the Army is a safe place for people to work and that “what happened at Aberdeen is an aberration.” Following the prepared comments of Secretary West and General Reimer, they took questions from the press.

Secretary West announced the formation of a investigative task force on sexual misconduct in the U.S. Army at Aberdeen, MD and other bases. A retired Army Inspector-General, Richard Siegfried, will chair the panel, which will investigate the local commanders' lack of action in these sexual misconduct allegations and whether the military ethos fosters such improper behavior. He stressed that the investigation would be dictated by the evidence and not a desire to protect anyone at any level.

Megan Scully was interviewed by phone about bills dealing with sexual assaults in the military. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s legislation, S.1752, would take the decision to prosecute sexual assaults in the military outside the current chain of command while Senator Claire McCaskill’s bill, S.1917, would allow sexual assault victims to challenge their discharges from the military.

Michael Doyle was interviewed by phone about the case Klay v. Panetta, involving military sexual assault. The case was argued on February 18, 2014, before the District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals.

The District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in the military sexual assault case Ariana Klay v. Leon Panetta. A lower court judge in 2013 dismissed the case in part due to a rule that shields federal officials from lawsuits. Ms. Klay, a former Marine officer, said she was raped while serving on active duty by a fellow Marine officer and another individual at the Marine Corps barracks. The officer was convicted of adultery but not rape. She sued former Pentagon leaders for allowing a hostile climate toward sexual assault victims and retaliating against those who reported such abuses.

Telephone lines were open for viewer comments on a question about the problem of sexual assaults in the military: “Should military commanders' legal power be removed in dealing with serious crimes such as sexual assault?” Several clips were shown of a previous day Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in which military leaders testified on the issue.

Telephone lines were open for comments from viewers after a hearing by the Senate Armed Services Committee on sexual assaults in the military. A video clip from the hearing was shown.

Anu Bhagwati talked about the Pentagon report that estimated more than 26,000 sexual assaults occurred against women and men in the military in 2012. She discussed military culture, her Service Women’s Action Network organization, the military justice system, and other topics. She also responded to telephone calls and electronic communications

President Obama spoke to reporters in the Cabinet Room about the problem of sexual assault in the military. He characterized cases of sexual assault in the military, or by military personnel, “shameful and disgraceful” acts that undermined morale and cohesion among service members.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held a briefing in preparation for an annual report, 2013 Statutory Enforcement Report: Sexual Assault in the Military, to assess the efforts of the Department of Defense to ensure justice in the military’s investigations of sexual assault allegations, its discipline of perpetrators, and its efforts to address and reduce discrimination against women in the military. 

Telephone lines were open for viewer comments on a Defense Department report that found that military sexual assault cases had risen by 35 percent since 2010.
Julian Pecquet, speaking by phone, previewed the House Oversight and Government Reform hearing on the September 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held a briefing in preparation for an annual report, 2013 Statutory Enforcement Report: Sexual Assault in the Military, to assess the efforts of the Department of Defense to ensure justice in the military’s investigations of sexual assault allegations, its discipline of perpetrators, and its efforts to address and reduce discrimination against women in the military. The first panel, “Perspective of Victim and Accused,” was of representatives of victims and accused offenders. Commissioners Kirsanow and Yaki participated by telephone.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held a briefing in preparation for an annual report, 2013 Statutory Enforcement Report: Sexual Assault in the Military, to assess the efforts of the Department of Defense to ensure justice in the military’s investigations of sexual assault allegations, its discipline of perpetrators, and its efforts to address and reduce discrimination against women in the military.*The second panel comprised academics scholars.

Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) spoke on the House floor about the trial of Brigadier General Jeff Sinclair and the message that it sent about the military’s inability to handle sexual assault cases appropriately.

The Senate considered a pair of competing Military Sexual Assault bills. One, introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), would remove the military chain of command from making prosecutorial decisions regarding military sexual assaults. The other, by Claire McCaskill (D-MO), would keep the military chain of command in place, but provides additional protections for victims. 
When the Senate later voted on the bills, they did not invoke cloture on the Gillibrand Military Sexual Assaults bill. That vote was 55-45, with 60 “ayes” needed. Lawmakers then voted 100-0 to invoke cloture and limit debate on the McCaskill Military Sexual Assaults bill.

Two former military service members, Defense Department officials, and mental health professionals testified at a hearing on the relationship between military sexual assault, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) spoke about his opposition to the Gillibrand amendment regarding sexual assault in the military. He argued that the Senate would be sending a message that military leaders cannot be trusted.

Military sexual assault and trauma victims testified on health care and treatment options available to victims from the military and from Veterans Affairs. Panelists described their sexual assaults and the legal and personnel responses they received as well as medical care. They described treatment as “unresponsive” and “spotty at best,” and argued that the health system labels sexual victims with personality disorders rather than dealing with the underlying assault. The victims also offered suggestions for better responses. They were followed by two panels of Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs officials talking about the care being offered.

A bipartisan group of senators spoke to reporters about their efforts to pass a law that would take the reporting of sexual assaults in the military outside the chain of command.

The Senate Armed Services Committee marked up sexual assault provisions in the fiscal year 2014 defense authorization. Members focused on proposals that would remove some decision-making about cases from the chain of command or provide for independent review authority in the management of sexual assault cases. The remainder of the session was closed to the public.

Military service branch chiefs and others testified on pending legislation on sexual assault in the military. Among the issues they addressed were reporting procedures for assault cases, the role of the convening authority, and the scope of the problem within military ranks. The service chiefs said, when asked pointedly, they opposed letting prosecutors, rather than commanders, handle sexual assault investigations.

Military leaders testified on pending legislation on sexual assault in the military. Among the issues they addressed were the role of senior commanders in sexual assault investigations and trials, maintaining order and discipline within the unit, and the use of non-judicial punishments. They also talked about the reporting process and some service members reluctance to bring charges.

Legal experts testified on pending legislation on sexual assault in the military. Among the issues they addresses were proposals to remove military commanders from the judicial process, the working relationship between commanders and military lawyers, and potential repercussions for service members reporting sexual assault.

Representative Niki Tsongas (D-MA) spoke about a variety of topics, including sexual assault in the military, as well as the Keystone XL Pipeline, the investigation into the attack in Benghazi, Libya and her trip to Afghanistan. She expressed concern for women in Afghanistan, in spite of the apparent positive gains over the past several years. She argued that Afghan women may lose some of these gains as the U.S. continues its diplomatic efforts to push the Afghan government to reconcile with the Taliban. 
C-SPAN Radio’s Nancy Calo also read news headlines.

House Armed Services Committee Member Jackie Speier (D-CA), talked about the Pentagon report that found 26,000 people in the military were sexually assaulted in 2012, an increase of 33 percent since 2010, and she responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. Topics included possible reasons for the increase in complaints and procedures in a military sexual assault investigation. She also discussed her legislation, the STOP Act (Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act) that would overhaul the way the military handles sexual assault cases.

Senators Murray and Ayotte spoke on the Senate floor about sexual assault in the military.

Representative Speier spoke on the House floor about sexual assault in the military.

Former service members testified before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel about being sexually assault while serving in the military. What could be done to improve the response by the military was discussed.
Gillibrand, Kirsten E. U.S. Senator [D] New York
Shaheen, Jeanne U.S. Senator [D] New Hampshire
Ayotte, Kelly A. U.S. Senator [R] New Hampshire
Bhagwati, Anu Co-Founder and Executive Director Service Women's Action Network
Blumenthal, Richard U.S. Senator [D] Connecticut
Boxer, Barbara U.S. Senator [D] California
Graham, Lindsey U.S. Senator [R] South Carolina
Havrilla, Rebekah Case Manager Service Women's Action Network
Hirono, Mazie U.S. Senator [D] Hawaii
Kaine, Timothy M. U.S. Senator [D] Virginia
King, Angus U.S. Senator [I] Maine
Lewis, Brian K. Administrator MenThriving.org
McCaskill, Claire U.S. Senator [D] Missouri
McCoy, BriGette Founder Women Veterans Social Justice

Senior military legal officials testified before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel about sexual assault in the military. The committee focused on a senior Air Force commander’s decision to overturn an assault conviction against an Air Force captain. Defense Secretary Hagel had begun a review of that decision and the policy allowing senior commanders to overturn sexual assault convictions by courts-martial.
Gary S. Patton, Director Department of Defense- Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office
Vaughn A. Ary, Staff Judge Advocate U.S. Marine Corps- Office of the Commandant
Kelly A. Ayotte, U.S. Senator [R] New Hampshire
Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator [D] Connecticut
Dana K. Chipman, Judge Advocate General U.S. Army
Nanette M. DeRenzi, Judge Advocate General U.S. Navy
Kirsten E. Gillibrand, U.S. Senator [D] New York
Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator [R] South Carolina
Richard C. Harding, Judge Advocate General U.S. Air Force
Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senator [D] Hawaii
Frederick J. Kenney, Jr. Judge Advocate General U.S. Coast Guard
Carl Levin, U.S. Senator [D] Michigan
Claire McCaskill, U.S. Senator [D] Missouri
Robert S. Taylor, Acting General Counsel Department of Defense

Witnesses testified about the sexual assault allegations at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Topics included accountability, academy leadership and proposed policy changes to prevent further assaults.
The Air Force Academy Sexual Misconduct Review Panel, chaired by former Rep. Tillie Fowler, issued its final report on the allegations on September 16. The members of the panel testified about their findings before the Senate Armed Services Committee on September 24.

Witnesses testified regarding sexual misconduct at the U.S. Air Force Academy, focusing on the Air Force Academy Sexual Misconduct Review Panel’s recently released final report. The independent panel was charged with investigating allegations of sexual misconduct and related programs and practices at the Air Force Academy. The report contained twenty-one recommendations for changes to the law and Air Force Academy practices, procedures, and policy.

Secretary Roche and General Jumper testified about and investigation of allegations that women cadets at the Air Force Academy had been sexually assaulted or raped over a period of several years and changes to regulations at the Academy as a result of the investigations.

Subcommittee members heard testimony concerning gender-integrated basic training in the U.S. military. They heard testimony about the recommendations from the advisory committee under the leadership of Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, the Joint Chiefs of Staff reaction to the recommendations and the secretary of defense’s directive on basic training changes. The recommendations include increasing the number of female drill sergeants and increased supervision of trainees and complete gender separation.

Examines the problem of rape and sexual assault in the military from the viewpoint of the survivors as well as from experts who are studying this issue. Filmmakers Jennifer Molina and Sarah Pusateri traveled to the Pentagon to find out what the Department of Defense says it’s doing to combat what even they call “a very big problem.”

Audio interview from Defense Capabilities & Management

President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden meet with Secretary of Defense Hagel, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dempsey and the service secretaries, service chiefs, and senior enlisted advisors to discuss sexual assault in the military