Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyer Blog

Sexual harassment in Los Angeles is not relegated solely to the private sector.

Unfortunately, as our Los Angeles sexual assault attorneys are aware, the military has become notorious for turning a blind eye to sexually abusive behavior within the ranks.

Perhaps even more frustrating for the victims, even when such incidents are reported through the proper chain of command, is that internal investigations frequently find little or no fault.

There is reference in police work to "the thin blue line." That's the phrase used to describe the tendency of officers to cover for their own - even when it's another of their own that has been harmed. It's the same in the military, perhaps more so, and justice is often elusive.

Now, some California lawmakers are petitioning to have military sexual harassment and sexual abuse cases tried before an impartial, third-party court.

U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-California, called for such a measure the same week that eight former and current military members filed suit against the military, alleging they had been assaulted, raped or harassed while serving, and were subsequently singled out by superiors after reporting the incidents.

Speier said the system is broken, called the threat of sexual assault in the military an "epidemic" and said there is a code of dishonor that punishes victims and protects rapists.

The Pentagon, on the other hand, insists that it has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and sexual abuse. At the end of last year, a new policy was announced that allowed those who had filed complaints of harassment or assault to quickly transfer into a new unit to avoid retaliation.

But Speier and others say that isn't enough. Alarming statistics indicate that by the Department of Defense's estimates, nearly 20,000 service members were sexually assaulted or raped in 2010 alone. What's more, less than 15 percent actually report those incidents. Of those, less than 10 percent are prosecuted and a miniscule amount are convicted.

She cited as an example the case of a female Airman First Class who was reportedly raped by a co-worker who broke into her room in 2009. The alleged perpetrator was supposed to go before a court martial, but a superior officer canceled the hearing. The victim was eventually transferred to another unit, but suffers from major panic attacks.

For the eight women who filed the lawsuit, a spokeswoman says they have suffered anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. One even attempted suicide.

Los Angeles sexual assault attorneys believe that everyone deserves to work in a place free of harassment and abuse. The fact that a superior wears a badge or a uniform should make no difference. Military members are expected to put their lives on the line in combat zones. They shouldn't face a war zone within their own units.

Continue reading "Sexual Harassment in Military Targeted by Los Angeles Lawmakers" »

Several news reports this month have highlighted the issue of military personnel who face sexual harassment in Los Angeles or elsewhere.

Unfortunately, military culture remains more tolerant of questionable behavior between the sexes than what would be considered acceptable in the civilian workplace. This is unfortunate, and can be dangerous. When a "boys-will-be-boys" mentality exists -- whether in the military, law enforcement or elsewhere -- women will face the increased threat of being harassed or even assaulted while on the job.

And yet the laws are no different. Woman have the same legal rights to be free of harassment and discrimination in the workplace, whether or not they are members of the military or are employed by a civilian company.

The Associated Press reports sexual harassment is twice as likely to occur in the military than in civilian society -- one-third of military women will be sexually harassed during their military career.

Some 80 percent of assaults or unwanted sexual acts go unreported. And military victims that do report abuse often face social isolation, counteraccusations and retribution.

Our Orange County employment lawyers also note another article published in the Navy Times examines a federal lawsuit accusing the defense department of failing to investigate sex crimes and prosecute perpetrators.

The suit also alleges that rape and sexual assault victims were openly subjected to retaliation, discouraged from reporting sex crimes, and urged to keep quiet. The lawsuit was filed by 15 women and 2 men. Most tell of being harassed or raped, in most cases by a military supervisor.

Continue reading "Military Remains Hotbed for Sexual Harassment, Assault" »