We are coming up on a poignant and tragic anniversary. One that I’ve been thinking of much lately. As a fellow servicewoman, it is a story that I feel deeply and personally.

In April 2020, 20-year-old Vanessa Guillen with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment was allegedly murdered and dismembered by Spc. Aaron Robinson. These horrible events brought much attention, anger, and frustration from the public—and a tidal wave of questions within the military regarding how the situation was handled. Many, including myself, feel the system failed to protect Guillen and instead put more energy into protecting her attacker and covered up the behavior perpetrated against her, both leading up to and after her murder.

Advocating for victims of sexual assault 

Last month, the chairman of the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee, Christopher Swecker, spoke at the House Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel about the case and the need for reform. He advocated by sharing Military Criminal Investigative Organization Reform Recommendations, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

In a report published on military.com, Swecker, a North Carolina lawyer and former FBI inspector who led the review, stated that there were serious risks and concerns which should have been recognized by leadership at Fort Hood. “The NCOs became the blockers. They did not facilitate or encourage reporting and were part of the shaming of victims.”

Ultimately, Swecker and his report uncovered evidence that military leaders allowed a command climate to fester in which sexual assault and harassment were commonplace. Fourteen military leaders were punished after a string of abuse, harassment, sexual aggression, and suicide were uncovered.

Changing from within the military: More work to be done

Although shocking, the events at Fort Hood are far from surprising. Victim blaming and shaming is a tactic that’s common and used in order to maintain “order and discipline”. Perpetrators employ these behaviors to keep victims from speaking out or seeking help. 

This is all too familiar for many women and men in the U.S Military. These actions create an ongoing and perpetual cycle of toxic behavior. The pattern of abuse and harassment, cover-ups, and perpetuation of behavior is a common theme. The more negative behaviors are covered up, the more they’re giving room and fuel to continue. that needs to be addressed and handled swiftly. 

But, times seem to be changing. Awareness and action are picking up momentum, as the Sweeter report indicates. We all have the opportunity to help foment that change and champion those who need our help most. 

If you’ve been the victim of assault or harassment and are looking for support and help, please reach out to your local authorities, or reach out to The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). I also invite you to contact me directly. And, please stay tuned for more information, support resources, and stories from my forthcoming book, War at Home: Break the Silence. Destroy the Stigma. End the Cycle.