Christian Reflection and Prayer

For too long, the U.S. military has dismissed the problem
of sexual violence.

26,000 people were sexually assaulted in the U.S. armed
forces in the past year, according to the military’s own
report. That’s an average of 71 people per day. There is
a push to reform the system to better protect victims,
but military and political officials are obstructing it.
No one should have to work in an unsafe environment.

Those who choose to report this abuse often face
retaliation, or watch as the military establishment does
nothing to prosecute their attackers. Only 11% of
assaults are reported, and many of those who do not
report their attack feel like nothing will change if they
do. It’s not hard to see why: All decisions to hold
perpetrators accountable lie within the military chain
of command—not with independently trained prosecutors.

The military justice system leaves women and men with
nowhere to turn when they are assaulted.

Regardless of how we feel about the military, we can all
agree that any person who is raped or sexually
assaulted deserves support and compassion.
Perpetrators must be held accountable.

We hope you’ll join us in calling on Congress to
defend those in the military by protecting them from
sexual violence. We need your voice now.

In faith,
Sojourners