FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: DIANE MINOR, 202/331-0066, x773

NOW CHALLENGES ALL BRANCHES OF THE MILITARY TO CLEAN HOUSE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1996

NOW today called upon all branches of the military to take immediate action to address sexual assault and harassment. "We challenge all branches of the military to walk the walk when it comes to zero tolerance of sexual assault and harassment," said NOW's Vice President Membership Karen Johnson, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Recent reports of sexual harassment and sexual assault at the Army Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Md., prompted the Army to set up an 800 number for women to report sexual misconduct and the Department of Defense (DOD) to order an investigation of all military training centers. NOW challenges the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard to install 800 numbers, as the Air Force and Army already have done, and wants the DOD to investigate further. "The abuses at the training centers are emblematic of a system-wide problem of pervasive sexual harassment and assault throughout the military. The training period is a small portion of one's military service. Women are being harassed and assaulted throughout their careers," Johnson said.

NOW is also calling on the Department of Defense to create a rapid response team to address complaints of sexual assault and sexual harassment. "The Department of Defense needs to implement a mechanism outside of the chain of command for reporting and resolving sexual assault and harassment complaints. A DOD rapid response team would allow women to seek relief without fear of reprisal," Johnson said.

The horrendous reports of rape and harassment in Aberdeen are indicative of a larger problem. "Aberdeen is only the most blatant and severe example of the denigration and discrimination women face every day -- both in the military and in workplaces across the country. The military can lead the way in changing the culture of misogyny that allows and encourages men to harass and assault women and girls on the job, in the streets and in classrooms," Johnson said.

Johnson criticizes the Department of Defense for not taking action to remedy the rampant harassment and assault in the armed services. "Sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military is a gross abuse of power resulting from the failure of leadership. It's time for our military to take the lead in ending the open season on women and girls that exists in our culture," Johnson said.