Revising the Movie Invisible War by Kirby Dick - Essay Example

The consequences of sexual assault recounted by the featured victims are equally sickening. This is because no action was taken by the relevant officials after the rape survivors formally reported the distressing incidents. Instead of being accorded the necessary help for physical and psychological recovery, the former soldiers indicate in the film that, the senior officials took their reports lightly and no action was taken against perpetrators.

The interviewed victims of sexual assault emphasize that the authorities not only failed to believe them, but they were subjected to even more trauma after being accused of committing adultery with their rapists or making false reports. In some cases, the violence instigators cannot be brought to the book, for purported lack of evidence. The victims also report the situation is made worse by the fact that the military deals with issues of sexual assault internally and one cannot take legal action against military institutions after leaving officially. Some even speak of experiencing retribution for reporting abuse, including destroyed careers and denial of veteran benefits. As a result, the victims are forced to suffer in silence, as they deal with the shame and stigma of being raped by a work colleague, as well as the feeling of being abandoned and shunned by an institution whose values they believed in.

Kirby’s documentary is undoubtedly an important eye-opener to the ill acts suffered by both women and men in the American military service. The film shows how victims of sexual assault are denied justice and expected to continue working side by side with their rapists. The psychological trauma brought about by these malicious acts is, therefore, made worse by the failure of the relevant authorities to take action. In my opinion, people serving in the military deserve protection by the law as well as justice when illegal acts are carried out against them. This is not only because they are American citizens, but also as a show of respect and gratitude for their exceptional service to the country. Additionally, just because soldiers are in the disciplined forces and are therefore expected to be tough, does not mean they are immune to the psychological suffering brought about by sexual assault and other traumatizing acts.

The US government, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, should take action to transform the military legal system. This would make way for the creation of a safe work environment for our soldiers, where they do not feel threatened by their counterparts. Possible actions to rectify the situation could include ensuring that sexual assault reports are investigated collectively by superiors in the military and independent civilians in law enforcement. Further, there should be mechanisms in place that allow a victim to pursue legal action against his or her abuser, without risking their careers and veteran benefits. Victims should also be given access to support services like psychological therapy, to deal with the trauma and stigma of rape.