Season 5 Episode 1: Sexual and Domestic Violence In the Military
About This Episode
Sexual and domestic violence in the military challenges recruitment, retention, team cohesion, operational readiness, security, and organizational health. Yet, most militaries around the world are still struggling to effectively address these problems. Gaps in the response harm military families and allow the destruction of the careers and health of survivors. The Safe & Together Institute, through its work with the UK Ministry of Defence, has seen the positive impact of domestic abuse–informed practice in this area.
In this episode, David and Ruth speak with Amy Braley Frank, founder of Never Alone Soldiers, and Joanna, a survivor who now advocates for others. Never Alone Soldiers advocates for the safety and well-being of military personnel and families affected by sexual or domestic violence. They assist victims, advise them, and push for greater transparency, accountability, and policy changes, leaving no one behind.
Together, they discuss:
Current problematic military attitudes and practices in responding to perpetrators
Silencing of victim-survivors of sexual and domestic violence
Never Alone’s advocacy for victims and drive for systemic change
Retention policies enabling those with histories of criminality and violence
Adverse career impacts for service members reporting abuse
Links between unaddressed military violence issues and domestic violence perpetration in law enforcement
Joanna shares her experiences seeking safety from domestic abuse and how policies, communication approaches, and attitudes endangered her and others. She discusses how Never Alone successfully pushed for her perpetrator’s removal. Amy defines policy and cultural changes needed to support survivors over retaining perpetrators.
Additional Resources
Podcast: Season 1 Episode 25: When Police Officers Commit Domestic Violence
Safe & Together Institute’s domestic abuse–informed trainings
Safe & Together Institute’s upcoming events
David Mandel’s book Stop Blaming Mothers and Ignoring Fathers: How to Transform the Way We Keep Children Safe from Domestic Violence