Men and rape: GQ’s bold new series | CA’s groundbreaking new law
GQ just published their investigative series with male survivors of military sexual assault, “Son, Men Don’t Get Raped”. The series features brave stories from Brian Lewis, Heath Phillips, Trent Smith and many others who have worked closely with us. Protect Our Defenders worked with correspondent Nathaniel Penn on this important piece for months, connecting him with survivors, military health professionals and support services. GQ had this to say about our nonprofit: “POD is the nation’s leading advocacy and support group for survivors of military sexual trauma. Their searchable Help page lists a wide array of local and national services, including MST treatment, legal help, and family therapy.” See the full GQ story. *Please note, the content may be triggering for survivors.
More updates:
- Outrageous news Last week, the former sexual assault prevention officer – who himself was accused of assaulting a woman last year – was issued a letter of reprimand last week, instead of facing trial. Many victims face graver consequences for reporting such a crime than the slap on the wrist Lt. Col. Krusinski received for committing one. Read more.
- California will become the first state to take the prosecution of sexual assault cases out of the chain of command! Vets and survivors – including Kate Weber, a member of Protect Our Defenders and the 2013 “California Woman Veteran Leader of the Year” – were critical in helping to pass this bill that the San Francisco Chronicle describes as “a trendsetter.” Though the law does not affect national branches, its passing reflects the direction the country is heading toward national reform. Read more.
- Air Force Academy continues to cover up sexual assault cases An investigator claims he was transferred out of the Academy and told he’d be kicked out of the Air Force. And OSI informant and cadet Eric Thomas was dis-enrolled. Their work work led to the only successful prosecutions of sexual assault in over 10 years at the Academy. We’ve joined with Sen. Gillibrand and Sen. Thune in calling for an independent investigation to review the handling of these cases. Read more.
- National reform This spring over 600 advocates wrote messages of thanks to the 55 Senators who supported the Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA) to take the prosecution of sexual assault cases out of the chain of command. This fall, we’ll deliver the messages to Senators to remind them of your support when the legislation is once again brought up for a vote. Add your name now.
At our sold out benefit in August we hosted moderator and CBS correspondent Lesley Stahl and three distinguished speakers: General Robert Shadley (Ret), former Navy pilot Paula Coughlin, and Attorney Susan Burke. The event benefited our Pro Bono Legal Program, which celebrated its one-year anniversary this summer. Below, a photo of our moderator and speakers discussing the military sexual assault crisis in our military. Learn more about the benefit.
