The U.S. military, where sexism runs rampant: 5 things you need to know about female servicemembers this Memorial Day

                      

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for the dead, but also an opportunity to reflect on the living. Here are five things you need to know about women in the military — from sexual assault and retaliation to access to basic healthcare.

1. Women in the military have a rate of unintended pregnancy that is 50 percent higher than the civilian population.

 

Here’s Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat from New Hampshire, on the Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act, a measure that would overhaul the Department of Defense’s policy on contraceptive coverage and family planning counseling:

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http://www.salon.com/2015/05/25/the_u_s_military_where_sexism_runs_rampant_5_things_you_need_to_know_about_female_servicemembers_this_memorial_day/

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Sexual Assault Victims In The Military Face Retaliation Far More Often Than They See Justice

Sexual assault is a problem everywhere, in every country, for women and men of every race, religion, socio-economic status and sexual orientation, but sexual assault survivors face different challenges in different circumstances. For instance, a new report reveals that sexual assault victims in the military who report their assault are 12 times more likely to face retaliation for reporting than they are to see their attackers punished. And even given the especially low expectations I have when it comes to sexual assault cases, that is just terrible.

The report, from the international research and advocacy organization Human Rights Watch, is fairly damning. According to their research, only five percent of reported cases of sexual assault results in a conviction. On the other hand, 62 percent of victims who come forward face retaliation as a result of reporting. Taken together, it seems fairly clear why so few victims report sexual assault in the military — it’s estimated that three out of four victims never come forward.

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http://www.bustle.com/articles/84727-sexual-assault-victims-in-the-military-face-retaliation-far-more-often-than-they-see-justice

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How we’re failing our female veterans

THE VA’S VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION is the nation’s largest integrated care system. Despite its more than 1,500 hospitals, clinics, and other facilities, the VHA is struggling to keep up with the influx of female patients. That number almost doubled between 2003 and 2012, from 200,631 to 362,014. It’s expected to double again by 2020.

Such escalation poses challenges to a system that once relied upon barracks-like facilities for patients, including open exam rooms and shared bathrooms. But far more important than infrastructure is the ability to provide the specialized care women need, says Patty Hayes, the VA’s chief consultant for Women’s Health Services.

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http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2015/05/21/how-failing-our-female-veterans/M4klZtWRNm3OAK0ri8IzxL/story.html

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Report: Retaliation against sex assault victims rampant

For a soldier identified only as "Roy Carter," the attacks didn't stop after he was sexually assaulted by a male soldier in another platoon in 2012.

After "Carter" reported his assault, he was attacked twice more within six months.
He was mocked and belittled by at least six senior non-commissioned officers and other soldiers in his platoon.

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http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/05/18/report-retaliation-against-sexual-assault-victims-rampant/27368747/

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Gulf War Syndrome Compensation

 

Gulf War Syndrome compensation may be available to veterans. Gulf War Syndrome (GWS), also known as Gulf War Illness (GWI), is a chronic multisymptom illness affecting a wide cross-section of Gulf War-era veterans who fought in the deserts of Iraq and Kuwait.

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https://www.vetshq.com/gulf-war-syndrome-compensation/

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“Gone but not forgotten” Military Veteran Authors are pledging $100 or 100% Book Sale Royalties

 

 

“Gone but not forgotten” Military Veteran Authors are pledging $100 or 100% Book Sale Royalties to Veterans Charities for the Memorial Day week - May 22nd - 29th 2015 Check out the list of great books!

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http://rappeters.com/…/participiating-books-li…/non-fiction/

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This Senator Wants You to Know the Startling Statistics the Military Has Been Hiding

Sexual assault in the military is horrifyingly common and severely underaddressed, yet it seems few politicians or military officials are actively combating the problem — with one notable exception.

The Pentagon estimated 26,000 instances of military sexual assault occurred in 2012 alone, but a new report released Monday by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D- N.Y.) on sexual assault in the military shows this number was completely underestimated.

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http://mic.com/articles/117306/this-senator-wants-you-to-know-the-startling-statistics-the-military-has-been-hiding

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Pentagon Releases Annual Survey On Sexual Assault in Military

 

Mika Makelainen/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The Pentagon released its annual report on sexual assaults in the military on Friday, which included new analysis of the links between sexual harassment in the workplace and sexual assault, as well as how two thirds of military female sexual assault victims perceive they were retaliated after stepping forward.

The annual report and a separate Rand Corporation survey track the estimated 19,000 to 20,000 incidents of unwanted sexual contact that were released in December.   

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http://www.kmbz.com/Pentagon-Releases-Annual-Survey-On-Sexual-Assault-/21451818

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