You would think I would have chosen something lighter to watch after my little Japanese adventure with Fishbowl Wives. I guess not.
As the title states this is a documentary. Hence, it’s a very true story about sexual abuse and assault in the American military and how it is not looking after its own. The only thing I can say that I was happy about was the length of the documentary as it was just over 90mins and because the subject matter was nothing to laugh about and turn away from. It was dealt with head-on I was sitting there watching it like a stunned mullet that this kind of behaviour is still occurring in the twenty-first century with no repercussions for the perpetrators more than anything they get premotions and slaps on the wrists and sexual assault/abuse is seen as a right of passage more than something wrong.
I remember watching previous military documentary shows in the past and it also advised that this behaviour occurs however this was in the early 2000s and you would think that twenty to thirty years down the track this abuse would be dead where it stands and not still alive and kicking.
I am sitting there in shock amazed at all this and thinking to myself this is not just an American Military problem but it should be seen as a worldwide military problem I know here in Australia we have had issues with Army personnel that have recently been in the news and also been awarded for their service to our country and at the same time this individual may not have been busted for sexual assault but has been busted for killing civilians while on active duty and thought of the locals in the middle east as toys as his plaything to kill with no repercussions.
The Invisible War mostly focused on sexual assault that occurred against women however it also touched on one case and yes there are many more cases of men being assaulted as well by other men.
Amazing to see that when our veterans that go to war from whatever country they are serving if they make it home and not in a body bag being traumatised by sexual abuse and assault that triggers PTSD in this form this I feel is worse than dying could see the ladies on the documentary as individuals that are dead already and walking around as ghosts as they have an emptiness a numbness that they are trying to heal from and there is no band-aid or medication that can help them. It is with time and counselling and being heard and actively listened to that the healing process can start the finish line well that’s an individual survivor’s timeline.
As a young father of a daughter and a son, I feel that it’s my obligation to teach my son how to treat a woman in the right manner like a gentleman and for my daughter to be the example of a man that my daughter should look up to and look for those protective caring compassionate and loving attributes that my daughter should look for in a partner.
I already know I am the overprotective father as when my daughter was born straightaway I said no boyfriends till you’re 50 and I had a double standard with my son at the age of seven months I was like let’s find a eighteen-month-old girl for you. Yes done in humour but you can see the difference in mentality and understanding or lack thereof.
We should allow anyone worldwide no matter what branch of the military you serve anywhere in the world the survivor should be allowed to report and be taken seriously to any law enforcement authority and it should not be kept under wraps only under the military umbrella this abuse should be confronted and reported in the civilian courts and tried no matter what and punishment should be allowed to be given to a judge or jury on the case and the punishment should fit the crime.
If you are a survivor of abuse military or otherwise tell your story and be heard
How do I report unacceptable Behaviour in Defence?
Advice and Guidance
At any time in the complaint management process, or when managing an incident of unacceptable behaviour, commanders, managers and supervisors may seek advice or guidance from: 1800 DEFENCE (1800 333 362).
How to Report Child Abuse or Neglect in the Military (US)
Rise up and Speak Up!!!
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