When the US Coast Guard towed my disabled sailboat 8 years ago today, I experienced what appears to be a systemic failure: the military’s persistent inability to address sexualized violence, protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.

I experienced a sexual assault from a Coastie at the end of a grueling 1,500-mile voyage of rough seas, equipment failures, and exhaustion. At the dock, as the Coastguardsmen arranged a group photo, I felt the Boatswain’s Mate Second Class (BM2) slam into and remain pressed up against me. Immobilized by terror, I was frozen as I experienced primal cues of threat from someone sworn to protect.

The Coast Guard’s response added layers of harm. Institutional indifference, procedural barriers resulted in no disciplinary action, while leaving me retraumatized. This failure reflects a larger crisis across the military, where sexualized violence persists because systems protect predators and silence survivors.

A System Rigged Against Survivors

Reporting the incident was an exercise in futility. I faced an intimidating investigative process that required reliving the trauma in unprepared interviews. I was left to navigate removign the official photo from the Internet on my own. The BM2 published a narrative that painted the Coasties as heroes, and made my crew look incredibly stupid.

The statute of limitations barred criminal charges, and administrative accountability was equally elusive. Every step reinforced a grim reality: the Coast Guard’s culture protects abusers at the expense of survivors.

The “help” I was referred to was a sad joke. The Legal Services Program at Protect Our Defenders directed me to the National Women’s Law Center and the Survivor Support Network, but neither provided meaningful assistance. Each simply referred me to local rape crisis centers, which had already failed me abysmally. Instead of tangible support or advocacy, this shifted the burden of recovery squarely back onto my shoulders, making it my responsibility to navigate therapy and healing on my own. This hollow gesture was a stark reminder of the systemic indifference survivors face.

This experience isn’t unique. Military sexualized violence is pervasive, enabled by a culture that prioritizes protecting the institution over holding offenders accountable. Survivors are often re-victimized by systems that ignore, minimize, or outright dismiss their experiences.

Zero Tolerance: A Mandate for Change

To restore trust and prevent future harm, the U.S. Coast Guard—and the military at large—must commit to meaningful reform. These actions are essential:

1. Extend or Abolish the Statute of Limitations: Survivors of sexualized violence often need years to process their trauma and come forward. Arbitrary deadlines deny justice and protect perpetrators. Extending—or eliminating—statutes of limitations for sexualized violence cases is critical to ensure survivors have a real chance to hold their abusers accountable.
2. Accountability at All Levels: Predators and those who enable them must face real consequences. Commanders who fail to act on credible reports should be removed from leadership roles. Perpetrators, like the BM2 who violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice, must face meaningful penalties, including removal from service.
3. Survivor-Centered Support: Reporting an assault shouldn’t retraumatize survivors. The Coast Guard must establish trauma-informed protocols that prioritize safety, transparency, and dignity for those coming forward. Referring survivors to ineffective resources or leaving them to fend for themselves is unacceptable.
4. Cultural Overhaul: Training and awareness initiatives aren’t enough. Leadership must foster a culture of zero tolerance, where sexualized violence is met with swift and decisive action, and survivors are fully supported. The current system, which shields predators and enables abuse, must be dismantled.
5. Oversight and Transparency: Congress should demand regular reporting on military sexual assault cases, including data on outcomes and survivor satisfaction. Transparency is key to accountability and public trust.

By implementing these measures, the Coast Guard can rebuild its integrity, prioritize survivor safety, and fulfill its mission to protect, rather than harm, those in its care.

Survivors Deserve Better

Without official accountability, I was left grappling with hypervigilance, flashbacks, and disabling health conditions. Yet, the deeper betrayal lies in a system that fosters such behavior through inaction.

Sexualized violence doesn’t just harm individuals. It corrodes entire institutions. It undermines the integrity of the Coast Guard and erodes public confidence in its mission. The message sent by a culture of impunity is clear: predators are protected, and survivors are expendable.

I refuse to be silent. By sharing my story, I reclaim my voice and push for change. Survivors shouldn’t have to go it alone. It’s time for the Coast Guard to confront the predators in its ranks and commit to protecting those it serves.