Overview

Sexual assault and harassment in the military have been a critical subject for years. Many victims may be reluctant to press charges because of fear of retaliation, damage to their careers, and widespread uncertainty regarding the military justice system. However, when circumstances arise, there are resources available to assist victims and families in their efforts to report, seek help, and recover from the effects of sexual assault. Yet, finding those resources can be challenging, especially in a time of crisis. Sexual Assault in the Military serves as an easy-to-use, comprehensive reference guide for military members and their families about sexual assault and harassment. While more and more attention focuses on getting victims to report their abuse, accessing information can still be difficult for service-members. Understanding that the military is making changes, and offering support is a necessary step towards how best to treat these cases and how to get help and justice. Cheryl Lawhorne-Scott and Don Philpott discuss the current state of affairs, the systems in place, and the supports available to victims and families. They provide documents that outline how reporting can and should take place, how cases should be handled through the military justice system, and how and where victims can access resources, including counseling. By providing this information in one ready resource, the authors hope to assist in changing the culture of silence and fear, as well as provide education surrounding military sexual assault and harassment.

Full Product Details

9781442274839

Table of Contents

Reviews

Notwithstanding the occasional prominent case of sexual harassment or assault that occurs in the military, victims continue to be reluctant to come forward. Clinical therapist Lawhorne-Scott, journalist Don Philpott, and former military officer Jeff Scott offer resources for victims faced with difficult choices about how to proceed with pressing charges. The authors recount the shameful history of sexual abuse in the military and recap the current situation, encompassing changing attitudes and efforts to improve responsiveness to sexual assault victims. They also offer very detailed case studies, primarily of women who have been victimized, often by commanding officers. They advise victims on how to report an assault and detail the current administrative and penal systems, with particular instructions on how to navigate the military justice system. They also recommend sources for counseling and other mental health care in this guide aimed at helping to counter the fear and silence that prevent victims from taking action against their abusers.-- Booklist Sexual Assault in the Military highlights a societal issue of significant concern that, if left uncorrected, will serve to erode the basic fabric of our society. As a microcosm of society, the military's response to this pressing issue may lead the way for reform on a much larger scale. As the book points out, coming to grips with the issue remains an individual and collective leadership responsibility tied to education and action. Consequently, I recommend that this book be a mandatory resource on the reading list of every commander and senior enlisted advisor throughout the military. As a compendium of resources and tools, this publication will be invaluable to the military leaders today and into the future.--Patrick J. Paddy Gough, USMC (Retired)

Author Information

Cheryl Lawhorne-Scott is a clinical therapist with a twenty-year track record of counseling services specializing in trauma care, post traumatic stress, and traumatic brain-injury treatment for wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families. As a senior consultant, under the Office of the Secretary of Defense, she is part of a team that seeks innovative and proactive ways to enhance resources and services to military members and their families. She recently participated in the corporate mission, vision, and implementation of projects for the Department of Defense to align current and future strategic plans and objectives. Her past positions include the Deputy Program Manager for the Recovery Care Coordination program nationwide for wounded, ill and injured service members and their families. Don Philpott is editor of International Homeland Security Journal and has been writing, reporting, and broadcasting on international events, trouble spots, and major news stories for almost forty years. For twenty years he was a senior correspondent with Press Association-Reuters, the wire service, and traveled the world on assignments including Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Israel, South Africa, and Asia. He writes for magazines and newspapers in the United States and Europe and is a regular contributor to radio and television programs on security and other issues. He is the author of more than 120 books on a wide range of subjects and has had more than five thousand articles printed in publications around the world. His recent books include Military Finances, Life after the Military, Military Mental Health Care, Terror-Is America Safe?, Workplace Violence Prevention, and the Education Facility Security Handbook. Jeff Scott, Lt. Col., is a 26-year prior enlisted United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel who has held various leadership positions throughout his service with the most recent being the Commanding Officer of the world's first operational F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron. In addition to being the first operational F-35 pilot and commander, LtCol Scott has received formal service training on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response as part of his leadership training and has mentored many Marines and families. Lt. Col. Scott has also served with senior leadership at the Pentagon.

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