The investigation into the death of Army Spec. Vanessa Guillen has moved veterans around the country to tell their story.
The publicity surrounding the death of Fort Hood, Texas soldier has turned into a national movement. After the soldier went missing April 22, her family told the media their daughter had been afraid to report sexual harassment while at Fort Hood. Her story resonated with other survivors of military sexual trauma, who have come forward on line and at vigils and rallies around the country.
“How people respond to people disclosing sexual assault really makes a difference in their outcome,” said Carolyn Allard, an associate professor of psychology and program director for California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University.
She said the most important thing to do is believe people. The Army dispatched a team to Fort Hood, which found nearly one-third of the women they surveyed reported being sexually harassed. There are many reasons sexual trauma goes unreported in the military, Allard said.
“You’re highly dependent on the military. You can’t just say I quit and leave. And you’re highly dependent on the resources they’re giving you,” Allard said.
Troops have to report allegations to their command or military investigators. That not only adds to the reluctance but also the trauma, she said.
Allard has counseled both women and men with military sexual trauma. Veterans who have gone through these experiences may finally be having their moment, she said.
Guillen’s disappearance and death inspired protests in San Diego and around the county. Some calling for sexual assault investigations to be taken out of the hands of the military. The idea has been discussed for years, but now it is getting more attention.
“They have their own police, their own JAG attorneys, so there has been a push for a long time to have external investigations,” Allard said.
The Guillen family has been in Washington, D.C. this week to support a bill that would allow service members to file complaints outside their chain of command. They met with President Donald Trump Thursday.
The bill is supported by a new group, Justice for Vanessa, which formed after her death. A subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the Army’s policies on sexual assault.
