Military Sexual Assault

Throughout time sexual violence has been and continues to be a most deeply rooted cultural phenomenon. Myths surrounding rape in particular and sexual violence in general continue to place a premier emphasis on how and what a victim (most often female) might have done to “bring-on” such offences. And yet, at their core, rape and all forms of sexual assault are acts of violence and aggression committed by criminals with a pathological compulsion for power and control. Importantly, rape and sexual violence are not matters of singular indiscretions or even sexuality, but rather are tools used to intimidate and exert dominance [Page 885]over others. Given the social stigma and power differentials associated with gender, sex, sexuality, and rape for both women and men, this is ...