USA Today: Take commanders off sexual assault cases: Column
Kim Hanks, the victim of sexual assault at Aviano Air Base writes an op-ed for USA Today:
Commanders don’t need this duty; they have shown time and time again they do not handle it well. Let them focus on what’s important to them, fighting for this country and keeping the U.S. safe from harm. It’s not a lack of faith that is the reason for this change; it’s a realization that bias and conflict exists in favor of the often higher-ranking perpetrator, and victims will continue to fear coming forward.
Regardless of all the promises by military leadership and half measures offered in the name of reform nothing short of removing the prosecution and adjudication authority away from the commander and placing it with independent, military professionals outside the accused’s and victim’s chain of command will end this nightmare.
I want to thank my family, friends, and the tireless work of advocacy organizations like Protect Our Defenders, for all of their unwavering help and support during this difficult time.
