Sexual Assault: “If You Cannot Hear Them, You Cannot See Them”

Quote stealing again. The title was a quote from Tarana Burke, activist and founder of the #metoo movement. (Fun fact: Me Too movement began in 2006.) WARNING: The topic is sexual assault. If you feel you will be triggered, read it with a friend, family or therapist or wait until you feel you are in a good state of mind.

A few years back I was asked to be part of a medical board for veteran non-profit. One of the conditions, before accepting the position, was to observe one of their retreats. It was an awesome opportunity to see the various mental health modalities available for participants to engage with and learn more about.

The retreat was awesome. I mean, it was on the coast…how could it not be awesome. While there, I met two women. We’ll call them Sarah and Amy for their privacy. Both of them were survivors of military sexual traumas (MSTs) and both were separated from the Army. No, not medically boarded…just separated…zero benefits. Sarah was separated because she couldn’t pass her fitness test. Amy was separated for disciplinary issues. I’m sure having her perpetrator in the same location (nope they were not put in different units) didn’t help matters.

I want you to keep in mind, when I met them, they had both been separated for around 10 years.

On the last evening, the staff had a closing ceremony. Staff and attendees came to the community room and each attendee was coined. (For those not military, “coining” is a…