Shocking Report Reveals Systemic Sexual Assault and Harassment in the US Coast Guard

Senators investigating misconduct within the US Coast Guard have uncovered a disturbing reality. More than 80 whistleblowers have come forward with stories detailing "systemic sexual assault and harassment, including a culture of silencing, retaliation, and failed accountability," according to a report released on Wednesday.

The 48-page majority staff report from the Homeland Security Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations is the first to be released following CNN’s report on a secret Coast Guard probe into sexual abuse at its prestigious Coast Guard Academy, known as Operation Fouled Anchor.

Key Findings from the Report:

1. Accounts of sexual abuse and harassment span from the 1970s to the 2020s.
2. Sexual assault and harassment are fleet-wide problems impacting all ranks.
3. Survivors have felt unheard and unseen, brushed aside, and silenced for too long.

The Coast Guard, in response to the report, acknowledged the profound trauma and suffering victims have endured and highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at addressing these issues.

Challenges Faced by Survivors:

• Inadequate investigations into misconduct.
• Failure to hold alleged perpetrators accountable.
• A culture that fosters continued misconduct.

Survivors shared harrowing stories of being belittled, silenced, and retraumatized by the investigation process. Female service members reported being subjected to derogatory terms in connection with their assault experiences.

What do you think?

• Should more be done to hold perpetrators accountable?
• How can the Coast Guard improve its handling of sexual assault cases?
• Are the reforms currently in place sufficient to address the systemic issues?