Female Military Members Sue Over Sexual Assault

Eight former and current female members of the U.S. military have filedsexual assault lawsuits alleging they were harassed, raped, or assaulted during their service, than were retaliated against when they reported the crimes.

According to the New York Daily News, the lawsuit is being filed in Washington U.S. District Court and alleges that the military has a “high tolerance for sexual predators in their ranks.” The women also claim that the military fosters a hostile environment that discourages those who have been sexually assaulted from coming forward and punishes those who do.

They further claim that the Defense Department failed to take the appropriate actions to deal with the problem.

The women involved in the sexual assault lawsuit include seven veterans of the Marine Corps. and Navy as well as one active-duty enlisted Marine. They all say that they’ve suffered anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. One woman said she attempted to take her own life after being raped by a senior officer and his friend.

The defendants named in the complaint include Defense Secretary Leon Panetta as well as past and present military leaders.

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault in the workplace, contact Sokolove Law for a free consultation.

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