We must not undermine policies that protect survivors
A statement by PODF’s Victims Advocate, legal services coordinator, and Survivor Jamie Boehlein: “I wish I could say I was...
News Blog
Hegseth’s Rollback of Whistleblower Protections Is Reckless and Dangerous to Mission Readiness
Rolling back protections silences survivors, fuels corruption, and puts mission readiness at risk
Protect Our Defenders Condemns VA Proposal to Strip Abortion Access from Survivors of Military Sexual Assault
Department of Veterans Affairs’ proposed rule would deny care in cases of rape or incest, rolling back hard-fought protections for veterans and military families
Statement: Army Major Convicted of Serial Sexual Assault After Military Failed to Support 15 Victims
Protect Our Defenders filled critical gaps in advocacy and legal representation the military failed to provide civilian victims of Army serial predator
*Media Advisory* Trial Begins Against DC Army Major Charged in Sexual Assault Case Involving 20+ Victims, Including Civilians
With the military failing to provide legal support to civilian victims, Protect Our Defenders is stepping in to fill the...
New Pentagon Data Shows Military Sexual Assault Reforms Working, But Trump-Hegseth Agenda Undermines Gains
Ending Congressionally mandated programs and weakening protections will harm morale, deter reporting, and jeopardize mission readiness and unit cohesion.
SecDef Hegseth Memo Puts “Thumb on Scale” for Accused: Erodes Trust and Threatens Military Readiness
Protect Our Defenders warns that discouraging reporting will deepen the armed forces’ recruitment and retention crisis
Statement: Sexual Assault Prevention Programs Slashed as Military Faces Recruitment Shortfall
POD is calling for an immediate halt to the cancellation of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs across all military branches.
Statement: Army Doctor Sentenced to 164 Months for 41 Counts of Sexual Assault
On January 15, Maj. Michael Stockin was sentenced to 164 months – the maximum sentence – after pleading guilty to sexually abusing 41 former patients (soldiers) at Madigan Army Hospital, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Hegseth’s Dangerous Views and Troubled Past Make Him Unfit to Serve as Secretary of Defense
Hegseth has expressed that women should not serve especially in combat roles, raising serious concerns about eroding progress in attracting top talent to the armed forces
Statement: Army Doctor Pleads Guilty in Historic Military Sexual Assault Case; Court to Decide Fate
On January 7, Maj. Michael Stockin pleaded guilty to sexually abusing 41 former patients (soldiers) at Madigan Army Hospital, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
POD Statement: Army Battalion Commander Found Guilty of Sexual Harassment in Landmark Military Justice Case
POD supports the victims who bravely stood up against the scourge of sexual harassment and testified during the court martial.
Protect Our Defenders Calls for Senator Ernst to Replace Hegseth as Secretary of Defense Nominee
Ernst’s leadership and reform record make her the right choice for a military facing recruitment and retention crises
Protect Our Defenders Urges Congress to Reject Pete Hegseth, Cites Risks to Healthy Command Climate, Removing Women in Combat, and Faces Sexual Assault Allegations
Protect Our Defenders warns Hegseth’s stance could undermine morale, justice reforms, and safety in the Armed Forces
Army Major Charged with Sexual Assault-Related Charges Involving at Least 20 Alleged Victims
POD is working with survivors, including civilians, in the case against Maj. Batt and is offering pro-bono legal support to...
Protect Our Defenders Applauds Military Reporter Rose Thayer on First Place Recognition
Protect Our Defenders (POD) congratulates Stars and Stripes reporter Rose Thayer on winning first place for enterprise reporting from Military Reporters and Editors, a distinguished nonprofit organization dedicated to journalists covering the military, national security, and defense.
***MEDIA ADVISORY*** Army to Rule on Media Protections in U.S. v Major Michael D. Stockin
If you would like to interview Ryan Guilds and Christine Dunn, legal representation for survivors involved in this hearing, or...
Protect Our Defenders Calls for Congressional Hearing Amid Coast Guard’s Alleged Sexual Assault Coverup
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2024 ***STATEMENT*** Protect Our Defenders Calls for Congressional Hearing Amid Coast Guard’s Alleged Sexual Assault...
Statement: Protect Our Defenders Applauds Historic Decline in Military Sexual Assaults
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2024 ***STATEMENT*** Protect Our Defenders Applauds Historic Decline in Military Sexual Assaults The report found...
***STATEMENT*** Lead Army Prosecutor Fired Following Emails Revealed Disparaging Survivors’ Assault Allegations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2023 ***STATEMENT*** Lead Army Prosecutor Fired Following Emails Revealed Disparaging Survivors’ Assault Allegations POD calls...