Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Filed Against Top Military Brass

Nineteen former and current U.S. military service personnel filed a sexual abuse lawsuit alleging they were assaulted while serving the country.

The Associated Press (AP) reports that the 14 women and five men filed the lawsuit in federal court in San Francisco. The suit alleges that they were raped, assaulted, and harassed during their military service and faced retaliation if they reported the incidents.

Top Department of Defense officials are named as defendants in the complaint. The leadership of U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force is also blamed for failing to prosecute the defendants and to properly investigating the claims of sexual assault.

The suit is the latest to allege sexual abuse in the military. More funding was recently given to educate investigators and judge advocates in sexual assault cases after some service members filed suit in March against both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy. A two-star general was appointed to direct a sexual assault response and prevention office, reports the AP.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has ordered for the creation of special victims unit and the Pentagon is assembling a data system to track reports of sexual assault.

If you or someone you know has been harmed at the workplace, contact Sokolove Law today for a free consultation.

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