Protect Our Defenders News Blog

 

Protect Our Defenders’ Statement on Air Force Indifference to Sexual Assaults and Harassment Exposed By New York Times

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 02, 2012
Contact: Brian Purchia, brian@protectourdefenders.com

*** STATEMENT ***

Protect Our Defenders’ Statement on Air Force Indifference to Sexual Assaults and Harassment Exposed By New York Times


Washington DC – Today, active-duty Air Force Technical Sergeant Jennifer Smith, who has honorably served our country for seventeen years, went public with allegations of ongoing sexual abuse, harassment and hostility toward women that is fostered by United States Air Force leadership. The New York Times broke the story of TSgt Smith’s allegations today. Protect Our Defenders President Nancy Parrish released this statement.

“We are proud of Jennifer’s bravery for coming forward and exposing the sexual harassment and misogyny that is not only allowed, but encouraged throughout the Air Force. Unfortunately, Jennifer is not alone. Her story is shared by thousands of fellow female Air Force personnel,” said Nancy Parrish, President of Protect Our Defenders. “How many more men and women like Jennifer need to be harassed or assaulted before our elected leaders realize the military will not on it own fix this ‘silent epidemic’?”


Read the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/02/us/women-in-air-force-say-sexual-misconduct-still-rampant.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0