Burton: Breaking the Silence; Addressing Violence Against Women in the Armed Forces

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Last Friday, I attended the funeral service and candlelight vigil for Angelina Petra Resendiz, a Navy Seaman whose body was discovered after she went missing from her barracks in Norfolk, Virginia. Both services were heartbreaking and emotional. 

Although not all the case facts have been revealed, another Navy Sailor is being detained. No matter how you view it, her premature death was both violent and avoidable.  The most obvious question is, why?  Why has this happened again and again?

For generations, women have proudly served in the armed forces, demonstrating courage, resilience, and leadership across all branches of the military. Yet, beneath the surface of these achievements lies a problematic and often underreported reality: violence against women in uniform. This includes not only physical and sexual assault but also harassment, intimidation, and systemic failures in accountability. Addressing this issue is not just a matter of justice; it’s essential to preserving the integrity, morale, and effectiveness of our military forces.

A Persistent and Pervasive Problem

Angela Burton

Reports of sexual harassment and assault within the military are not new. According to the Department of Defense’s own annual reports, thousands of service members report incidents of sexual assault each year, with women disproportionately impacted. Yet many of the incidents still go unreported due to fear of retaliation, damage to one’s career, or lack of trust in the reporting process.

Survivors often find themselves navigating a military justice system that can feel stacked against them. Investigations can be slow, mishandled, or inconclusive. Victims sometimes remain stationed with their alleged perpetrators, creating environments of fear and re-traumatization.

Culture and Chain of Command

One of the biggest challenges in combating violence against women in the armed forces is the deeply rooted culture of silence and the rigid chain of command. In many cases, the individuals tasked with handling complaints are in the same chain of command as the alleged offenders, creating an inherent conflict of interest. This deters victims from coming forward and shields abusers from accountability.

Changing this culture requires not only stronger policies but also courageous leadership at every level. It means empowering victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring the chain of command is no longer a barrier to justice.

There must be a zero-tolerance policy across the forces, and the chain of command must be held responsible from the top down.

Progress and the Road Ahead

Over the past decade, advocacy efforts from veterans, lawmakers, and military leaders have sparked significant reforms. These include independent prosecution of sexual assault cases, expanded victim services, and mandatory training programs. However, there is still much more to be done.

Actual progress will require sustained attention, improved data transparency, and an unwavering commitment to protecting every service member, regardless of gender. It also means listening to survivors, centering their experiences, and honoring their service not just with medals, but with dignity and respect.

Conclusion

Violence against women in the armed forces is not just a military issue—it’s a human rights issue. It compromises our national values and weakens the very institutions meant to protect us. By confronting the problem openly and boldly, we move closer to building a culture of respect, equity, and safety for all who wear the uniform.

Please don’t be silent! Demand change!

Editor’s Note: The above op-ed was penned by Angela Burton, a retired U.S. Army Reserve based in Brownsville, Texas. She served in the Military for 21 years, including a Tour of Duty in Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She is president of Veteran Females United. The above op-ed first appeared on Burton’s social media pages.

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