Doonesbury and MST

[Holly Stick]

Doonesbury has had a lot about B.D. going to the V.A for counselling; now there is a new character named Melissa, who has MST, Military Sexual Trauma.  Here's the start of the recent story line; though I think she showed up once a month or two ago.
http://www.doonesbury.com/strip/dailydose/index.html?uc_full_date=20070624

The Blowback link goes to letters from readers, newest on top, and there are many about this recent storyline, mostly supportive; one claiming there are more false accusations than actual sexual assaults... sure, buddy. :roll:
http://www.doonesbury.com/strip/blowback/index.html

There is also a background link to an article about MST:
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=1273

...Health care providers and advocates say that many barriers remain to women reporting sexual assault in the military. Hoffman says that women tell her that they will not even answer "yes" to a screening question if it means their record will reflect that they were raped.

The biggest ongoing problem for sexual assault in the military is the lack of confidentiality, advocates say. Any report to a nurse, doctor, counselor or police officer within the military is something that can be or must be reported to a commander. That can lead to trouble for a victim. Even attempts to hold an offender accountable can be detrimental if a victim is vulnerable to a disciplinary infraction such as those for alcohol, drugs, fraternization or adultery. Such a problem arose with one cadet at the Air Force Academy who was disciplined for having sex after she reported an assault...

[Bacchus]

That false accusations happen, no doubt. Im willing to believe that its a decent percentage (as in not less than 1%).

But in the military (or for that matter, the police)? Uh huh, no way. It is abundantly clear when in the forces or cops that a accusation does more harm to the career of the accuser than the accused. Unless your willing to sacrifice your career to screw someone over, it just aint gonna happen. Its a way different atmosphere than civilian life

[Holly Stick]

This week has been about Melissa again, starting on Monday:

http://www.doonesbury.com/strip/dailydose/index.html?uc_full_date=20070716

[Holly Stick]

Reviving this old thread about MST military sexual trauma because of this article saying that 1/3 of American women soldiers have been raped:
 
http://blogs.alternet.org/penucquem/2010/10/26/covered-up-more-than-13-of-american-woman-soldiers-raped/

[Antonia]

Oh I didn't know this thread existed. Caught this this week. Should share!

http://www.slate.com/id/2272091/