Men and women sign up to serve their country because they want to make a difference. They want to make the world a better place. They don’t sign up so that their fellow soldiers can attack them, sexually assault them or rape them at their barracks.
Unfortunately, as recently reported by many news outlets, this is exactly what has been happening in U.S. military bases.
Accosted by the media and public, defense officials have scrambled to provide solutions to stop the attacks before they happen again. While some may feel this problem will blow over soon enough, many victims continue coming forward with their stories of sexual assault in the military.
So, how can victims protect themselves from experiencing what so many others have gone through? How can they protect themselves from being attacked again? The answer is hiring a military sexual assault lawyer.
Here are some reasons why it’s imperative for you to hire a military sexual assault lawyer if you are a victim of sexual assault in the military:
Your Attorney Will Investigate the Incident and Gather Evidence
Military lawyers are renowned for their thoroughness and proficiency while conducting investigations. They will conduct a detailed and meticulous investigation if a sexual assault allegation is brought to their attention.
A civilian lawyer can certainly assist a client in a civilian assault case but may be unfamiliar with the unique aspects of a military investigation. However, a military sexual assault attorney will know what to look for and be able to piece the overall picture together in a way that will benefit your case greatly.
You’ll Have a Trusted Legal Professional by Your Side
If you are ever sexually assaulted while in the military, having a trusted legal professional by your side can make all the difference. Your attorney will guide you through the entire legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to after the incident. They will question witnesses, collect and organize evidence, and negotiate with the alleged perpetrator’s lawyer.
A Lawyer Knows How to Navigate the Military Justice System
The military has a system whereby victims can receive compensation for the incident. However, you may be unsure of how to go about this and how to receive the most compensation possible.
A competent military sexual assault lawyer will know exactly how to do this for you. Your attorney will submit a claim for compensation on your behalf and make sure that you receive the maximum amount possible. This can help you pay off medical bills, replace lost income, and recover from the incident in many other ways.
Your Commanders Will NOT Always Have Your Best Interest at Heart
While having your commander on your side is always preferable, it might not always be the case. Some military commanders may have a bias when dealing with assault allegations. This has led to some commanders failing to prosecute cases where they should have, or pressuring their subordinates to go to trial even when they did not commit the crime.
Your commanders will likely want to avoid an investigation whenever possible, but a competent attorney will conduct a thorough investigation and gather as much evidence as possible to ensure that the alleged perpetrators are brought to justice.
In Conclusion
It’s a dark and difficult time for the U.S. military right now. Sexual assault in the armed forces has become a serious problem, which is why many service members don’t feel comfortable coming forward when something like this happens to them.
Military sexual assault lawyers have dedicated their careers to helping people in these situations.
If you are one of the unfortunate people, who has been assaulted while on active duty, you need to know what your rights are, who can help you, and how to get justice. A military sexual assault attorney can help you do just that.