Military Sexual Assault Figures Rise Again

The new figures on sexual assault in the United States military have been released, and frankly, they are horrifying. In 2008, the incidents of sexual assault had risen by 8%. In 2009, it rose by 11 % to a total of 3,230 reported cases. Nearly 60,000 female veterans have reported being sexually assaulted since 2002.

Even worse (if that's possible) is the fact that these assaults are also happening in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. In Iraq, the figures rose from 141 in 2008 to 175 in 2009. In Afghanistan, the figures rose from 22 in 2008 to 40 in 2009. It's not bad enough that our female soldiers have to bravely do their jobs while the enemy is trying to kill them, but they also must be vigilant in protecting themselves from their own fellow soldiers.

The Pentagon says it is happy about the new statistics, because it means more of the assaults are being reported. In the past, only 20-30% of sexual assaults have been reported. But they really have no proof of their assertion that more assaults are being reported. That could be happening, but it could also be that more assaults are taking place (and the same percentage is being reported).

In the end, it really doesn't matter, because 3,230 assaults (and remember that is less than half of all assaults) are far too many. It would be far too much if that represented 100% of all assaults. It makes me think the military is not effectively dealing with this serious problem. It is a good thing if more of the assaults are being reported, but if would be far better if a whole lot less assaults actually occurred.

Is the military going easier on military rapists because of the need for experienced soldiers? Is that why they can't seem to get a handle on this situation? Is this a result of lowering the standards for those entering the military -- of allowing criminals and gang members to join?

I hope not. Sexual assault is a serious crime and it should be dealt with harshly -- whether it occurs in military or civilian life. Those who commit this crime should receive the same penalties they would receive if they committed the crime as a civilian. And they should be discharged and required to register as a sex offender.

It's time for the military to deal with this very serious problem. And with the number of reported cases rising each year, there is no proof that they are. Far too often, women are punished more for reporting the crime than the perpetrators are for doing the crime.

Our soldiers deserve more, and it is time for the Pentagon to deliver.