Rape in the Military: An Ignored Crime

According to a study issued in Ms. Magazine, women serving in the military are more likely to be victims of rape by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy weapons. Army PFC. Lavena Johnson was raped and killed by another solider. In attempts to cover up the incident, the military says that she committed suicide, denying the obvious visible signs of sexual assault during the autopsy. They have since closed the case, and despite pleas from her parents, have refused to reexamine the tragedy. This is just one example of the many incidences of rape and other forms of sexual assault towards military women. Here's the link to part of the article from Ms. Magazine:

http://www.msmagazine.com/Fall2008/TheScandalOfMilitaryRape.asp

The reason I'm posting this, other than spreading the word, is that you can help PFC. Lavena Johnson's case by signing the petition that presses for Congress to reopen and reexamine the incidences leading to her death. Be a part of the solution here:

http://www.colorofchange.org/lavena/?id=2184-701691

Start the New Year off right: resolve to educate yourself on issues you deem important and do what you can to be a part of the solution!